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Bicycle Commuters Benefit from New Legislation
More Americans Need Complete Streets
Help Complete the Streets

Bicycle Commuters Benefit from New Legislation
Cyclists who use their bicycle, as their primary mode of transportation to and from work may be eligible for a $20 tax-free monthly reimbursement from their employers to pay for bicycle related expenses.

The Bicycle Commuter Tax provision was in front of Congress for seven years as part of a larger Renewable Energy Tax Credit legislation and was passed as a provision of the Financial Rescue Package in October, 2008. Starting on January 1, 2009, this provision offers bicycle commuters similar tax benefits as people who get tax breaks for taking transit or driving their cars to and from work.

"This tax benefit significantly legitimizes bicycling and elevates it in the eyes of the public to a credible commuting mode," said Ann Mack, Trailnet Executive Director. “We intend to get the message to both bicycle commuters and their employers to greatly increase use of this benefit.”
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More Americans Need Complete Streets:
One-Third of Americans Age 50+ Hang Up Their Keys To Walk But Find Streets Inhospitable, Public Transportation Inaccessible

A new poll by AARP finds that while many Americans ages 50+ are trying to move away from car transportation as a result of high gas prices, their attempt to go “green” is challenged by inadequate sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as insufficient public transportation options. “More Americans age 50+ are trying to leave their cars behind but face obstacles as soon as they walk out the door, climb on their bikes or head for the bus,” said Elinor Ginzler, AARP Senior Vice President for Livable Communities.

Almost one of every three people (29%) polled say they are now walking as a way to avoid high gas prices. But as those people set out to walk, almost 40% of the 50+ population say they do not have adequate sidewalks in their neighborhoods. Additionally, 44% say they do not have nearby public transportation that is accessible. Almost half (47%) of poll responders say they cannot cross the main roads safely – 4 in 10 pedestrian fatalities are over the age of 50. (www.aarp.org/gascosts)

There’s good news and bad news for Americans age 50+ looking to change their travel habits. In many states, the pedestrian fatality rate of those over age 65 is far above the national average. The worst states for pedestrian fatalities over age 65 are (in order) Hawaii, Alaska, New York, California, New Mexico, Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Washington, DC and Arizona according to AARP’s analysis of government pedestrian fatality data. Many states, cities and towns are looking for ways to solve this problem by adopting “complete streets” policies. The Columbus, Ohio city council just passed a complete streets resolution on July 29th and both Decatur, Georgia and Seattle Washington adopted complete streets policies this spring.

“Complete streets enable pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit riders to share the road safely with automobiles,” said Elinor Ginzler, AARP’s Senior Vice President for Livable Communities. “More cities and states are adopting policies requiring their transportation agencies to ensure that roads are routinely designed or redesigned for all modes of travel. And instituting these new standards makes it safer for residents of all ages,” she stated.

“Some cities like Sacramento, California and Kirkland, Washington are ahead of the curve,” said Ginzler. “They have extra-wide sidewalks, flowered medians and flashing lights embedded in crosswalks at busy intersections. Bike lanes and bus stops line even some of the town's busiest streets. These amenities allow residents to be safer pedestrians and commuters and even help the flow of vehicle traffic.”

At the national level, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), led efforts in the U.S. Senate to develop safer, comprehensively designed streets. Harkin introduced the bipartisan Complete Streets Act of 2008 (S. 2686) this spring. Senate cosponsors include Senators Thomas Carper (D-DE) and Norm Coleman (R-MN). Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) took a significant step for safer streets in May by introducing the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2008 (H.R. 5951) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) cosponsors the bipartisan bill. The bills would ensure that roads built and improved with federal funds safely serve everyone using the roadway -- including pedestrians, people on bicycles or those catching the bus, as well as those with disabilities. This is the first time that comprehensive complete streets bills have been introduced in the House and Senate. AARP is a member of the Complete Streets Coalition supporting these bills.

Learn more about complete streets

Learn more about the AARP poll

Help Complete the Streets

Complete Streets bills were introduced in the US Senate and House to ensure that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways.

The Senate bill was introduced in March by Senator Tom Harkin, and a House bill was introduced on May 1 by Congresswoman Doris Matsui. Your help is needed to build support for both of these bills!

Act Now, to help ensure Complete Streets! Here are four things you can do:
1. Call your in-district office to set up a meeting
2. Call your member in DC and ask to speak to the staffer working on transportation. Download the Complete Streets Coalition’s talking points to get you started on their website
3. Fax a letter to your member's office:
* Download the Complete Streets Coalition’s Senate Form Letter on their website
* Download the Complete Streets Coalition’s House Form Letter on their website
* Contact info to reach your representatives on their website
4. Spread the word! Tell others about this federal action and how their support will make an impact!

Learn more on the Complete Streets Coalition’s website