Legislative Success
House Passes Energy Bill, Includes Bike Commuters
On August 4, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) joined a majority in the House of Representatives to pass landmark energy independence legislation that includes a provision to extend fringe benefits to bike commuters. The Commuter Benefit for bicyclists amends section 132(f) of the IRS code to include "bicycles" in the definition of transportation covered by fringe benefits. Included in the Ways and Means energy bill is a benefit of $20 per month for employees who bike to work. This is great news for cyclists.
Cycling in the News
Louisville Responds Admirably to Tragedy
Excerpted from the Louisville Courier-Journal
More than 2,000 yellow-shirted bikers waited at the entrance to the Clark Memorial Bridge on August 12 to take off on a memorial bike ride for George “Chips” Cronen, a bicyclist who was struck and killed by a van on the bridge on July 3. "This tragedy has catalyzed the Louisville cycling community and city government," said League Executive Director Andy Clarke. "This crash will hasten the bicycle friendliness of the entire community." Riders included Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson; Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists; and Ed Tonini, the event organizer, Cronen’s brother-in-law and vice president of advocacy for the Louisville Bicycle Club. "Louisville has very aggressive plans for bike lanes, the circle of parks, a multitude of multilane paths,” Tonini said. “We’re starting to see a more comprehensive signage plan for instructing motorists and cyclists alike as to what their responsibility under the law actually is.” Sharrows — pavement markings on the bridge indicating that motorists must yield to bicyclists — were also revealed.
Florida Route A1A Case in Appeal
Bruce Rosenzweig, the Boca Raton Bicycle Club and the League have appealed a March 9 Florida Department of Transportation administrative hearing order that concluded FDOT has complete discretion on whether to include bicycle lanes on state roads. The core of the dispute is whether FDOT has applied the legally correct criteria in the design and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the reconstruction of State Road A1A in Palm Beach County. The March 9 administrative hearing -- which was presided over by an FDOT engineer -- concluded that FDOT had the right to decide whether or not a bike lane should be built on any state road. The bicyclists -- with the help of lawyers and cyclists Jeffrey Lynne and Larry Silverman from Akerman Senterfitt -- have appealed that ruling to court.
New and Improved
Register to Be a PBIC Local Resource
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is seeking individuals and organizations to register as local resources on its Web site. By registering as a “resource person,” you can help foster local connections between the general public and the pedestrian and bicycle community. Resource people can offer pedestrian and bicycle-related expertise, information, materials, or financial support free of charge and are willing to be contacted by others in the community. To register, click here.
Bikes Belong Launches New Web Site
Bikes Belong has launched a new and improved website that provides more in-depth and easily accessible information. One of the site's key features is a searchable map of all the community grants they've awarded since 1999 (143 and counting). In addition, the website features an expanded resources section, including tip sheets on how to make bicycling better in your community, bicycling photos, and more.
Stolen Bike Registry Available
As a public service, and as a response to more than five bicycle thefts in nine years, a Web developer in Akron, Ohio created a free national listing for stolen bikes. Visit to register your stolen bike, or to see if you've can help reunite a bike with its owner.
Awards & Recognition
APBP Award Nominations Open
APBP is asking for award nominations for three annual awards: APBP Lifetime Achievements Award; APBP Professional of the Year – Public Sector; and APBP Professional of the Year – Private Sector. Nominations are needed by August 18.
