June 5, 2006
Bicycle Commuter Bill Update
On May 31, 2006, the Joint Committee on Taxation provided a revenue estimate for Senate Bill (S.2635), the Bicycle Commuters Benefits Act, which Sen. Wyden (D-OR) introduced in April of 2006. The five-year score, which estimates the impact the Bill will have on the federal budget, is estimated at $78 million over five years. This is great news, as it is significantly less than the ten-year score of $1.4 billion received by similar legislation in the House of Representatives two years ago. Click here to visit the League's advocacy center and speak up to your Representatives about the importance of this bill.
Lawsuit Wins A1A Concessions from FDOT
The Boca Raton Bicycle Club and the League of American Bicyclists are pleased to announce that the Florida Department of Transportation will file the formal documentation setting forth its decisions regarding the provision of bicycle lanes on State Road A1A in Palm Beach County. The Club and LAB (along with Palm Beach County resident Bruce Rosenszweig) filed a lawsuit on March 1, 2006 in Leon County Circuit Court, requesting that the Court issue a mandamus requiring the FDOT to prepare and file formal design variation documentation justifying its decision not to include full bicycle facilities in the renovations to A1A in Palm Beach County. The FDOT also stipulated in open court that its substantive decisions regarding A1A can be challenged in an administrative proceeding pursuant to Florida Chapter 120. Accordingly, the pending Circuit Court case will be stayed pending the completion of the administrative challenge.
Calling All Lawyers
You won't hear this very often, but the League really does want to hear from lawyers who specialize in bicycling and people that provide expert witness services. In response to numerous legal cases, we're compiling a directory of lawyers and expert witnesses who are willing and able to assist cyclists. Contact Mike Mackin with your information.
Bikes Belong Supports Complete Streets
Bikes Belong has made a significant contribution to the National Complete Streets Coalition. Bikes Belong is providing a $15,000 grant to match donations by the AARP and ASLA. Bikes Belong has provided long-term support to complete streets through its funding of America Bikes, where the coalition was initially formed. The new funding will allow the coalition to begin work on its three-part campaign to encourage adoption of complete streets policies across the country.
Bike Laws Update
In the last edition of American Bicyclist Update, the League erroneously reported that three states have safe passing laws. Arthur Ross, of Madison, Wis., corrected us, saying, "I believe Wisconsin was the first with a safe passing law, dating back to 1974, and has provided a penalty since that time. Minnesota has a
similar law, passed several years ago. So there are now at least five
states with a safe passing law, and at least three with penalties."
FHWA Environmental Excellence Awards
The Federal Highway Administration's biannual Environmental Excellence Awards honors partners, projects, and processes that excel in meeting growing transportation needs while protecting and enhancing the environment. To find out more about the program, and to apply, click here.
Mayor Daley Honored for Bicycle Work
Chicago, Ill. Mayor Richard Daley was toasted on June 4 at the U.S. Conference of Mayors with an award for leadership in making Chicago more livable. Daley was given an award for the Chicago Bicycle Program, which helped establish 100 miles of bike lanes and 50 miles of off-street bike trails.
Grand Jury Speaks Up on Bicycle Safety
A grand jury in San Luis Obispo, Calif. was asked to investigate bicycling and came up with some great recommendations: education and enforcement! Click here to read the report.
Taiwan's Premier Speaks Up for Bicycling
In an article in the Taipei Times on June 1, Taiwan's Premier Su Tseng-chang promises to build 2,600 km of bike lanes by 2011 and to amend related traffic rules to protect bicyclists' rights. Click here to read the whole story.
Bicycle Jobs Open in Missouri, Montana
Three jobs in bicycle advocacy have opened in recent weeks. They include Tours Manager and Membership and Marketing Associate at the Adventure Cycling Association in Missoula, Mont. and Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator for Columbia, Mo. Good luck, potential bicycling advocates.
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