Sen. Wyden Introduces Bicycle Commuter Act
Posted by: EvanApr 24 2006, 3:32 pm
When the BTA staff went to Washington, DC in March, we lobbied Oregon's Congressional delegation to support Rep. Blumenauer's Bicycle Commuter Act. Rep. Hooley signed up, and others expressed interest. Today we received word that Senator Ron Wyden had introduced a Senate version of the bill (along with Sens. Collins, Cantwell and Snowe). Hooray for lobbying!
Excerpts from Sen. Wyden's remarks on introduction:
I know that I am speaking for many people in this country who want to do something concrete about our nation’s dependence on oil and gas. They do not think our national energy policy is doing enough. They are eager to do things that make them feel like they can take responsibility for overcoming their dependence on oil and gas. As gas prices continue to climb this spring and summer, more and more people are going to be looking for something that they can do to free themselves from this dependency. The bill I am introducing today gives Americans more incentive to give up the cars and trucks that they drive to and from work everyday and get on their bicycles instead.
According to recent Census reports, more than 500,000 people throughout the United States commute to work by bicycle. They are freeing themselves from sitting in traffic. They are saving energy and overcoming their dependence on oil and gas. They are getting exercise; avoiding obesity and helping us keep our air clean and safe to breathe.
Yet, they are commuting by bicycle at their own expense. Their fellow employees who take mass transit to and from work have an incentive created in the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century that enables their employers to pay for their bus or subway ride. This incentive is great for mass transit commuters but it discourages people from riding their bikes to and from their jobs. The Bicycle Commuters Benefits Act of 2006 will eliminate this discrimination against bicycle commuters.
Note: car parking can also treated as a tax-free benefit for employees, so this bill is especially important.
Update: The bill number has been assigned: S 2635.
I am excited to hear this. I am from Utah and want to pester my Senators to get them to vote for it, but I cannot find any mention of this bill in the congressional record. What is the Bill number so that I may reference it? Thanks for the post!
I am very much in favor of the bill as articulated by Sen. Wyden. I would appreciate it if you would direct any/all information related to this bill to my email address. The bill will provide for a cyclist's expenses and the non-motorized transportation as a commuter will also realize massive savings in gas, oil, parking, time lost in traffic, and many other benefits. Please pursue this bill diligently!
Thank you for the opportunity to respond!
Senator,
As a former Oregonian (with a brother and two parents still there), I commend you for this forward-thinking bill.
JR
I strongly support this bill. But we need safer bike lanes to make commuting by bicycle more desirable and practical.
I strongly support this bill. But we need better education
for cyclists and motorists so that they all know how to
make bike commuting as safe as possible on our existing
roadway infrastructure.
As a full-time cyclists/commuter I support this long overdue bill. I agree that educating motorists, cyclists and even pedestrians on how to get along during our commute. I live in LA and the current paradigm between cyclists & motorists is an adversarial "us vs. them" relationship. I would like to see integrated transit facilities that cultivate relationships where "we" all move towards our destination in harmony. The Bicycle Commuters Benefit Act of 2006 is perhaps a first step that will encourage more ridership, but we as individuals need to ask local decision makers for better, safer, & connected cycling infrastructure. In addition we need continuing education programs that teach disparate stakeholders compassion for each other.
I am a part time bicycle commuter and have voiced my opinion at a local level about bicycle routes. My Friday commutes consist of busy street riding where half the route is designated bicycle lane. While it's not really a concern I've been honked at while riding on the road where sidewalk is available. My opinion is bicycles should not be on the sidewalk unless your safety is in jeopardy. I'm glad to hear bicycle commuting is getting wider recognition in the US congress and I want to see this get amended to the IRS code so we may benefit as bicycle commuters. The Bicycle Commuters Benefits Act of 2006 is Senate bill 2635, located here – http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s109-2635
For the US House of Representatives it's H.R. 807 – http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h109-807
It's about time CA bicyclists got paid. Groups like Critical Mass and others should get on this. There's so much opposition though especially from that certain group.
I've asked for help on this from; both of my Senators, the Gov. of my state, three local media networks, the Pres, the V.P, somewhere between a half dozen and a dozen fellow cyclists and friends, and a couple of different websites.
My fingers are going to be bruised soon (j/k) but if anyone can think of anyone else I can push for help please let me know!
I just learned about this through the August issue of Bicycling
magazine. What a great idea to help each of us do something to lesson our dependancy on foreing oil. This is exactly what we need right now.
About 3 months ago, I contacted Senator Vitter's office about the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act before the Senate. In reply, I received an email today from the senator stating that he'll keep my "thoughts in mind"; however, he didn't state his position on the matter.
I've emailed Senator Vitter to thank him for his reply and to ask for a clarification on his position regarding this legislation. If you'd like to see passage of the Benefits Act, please take a moment to call or email Senators Vitter & Landrieu. If you need their contact info, you can find it along with the reply I received from Senator Vitter here at my blog:
world-class-bike-trails.blogspot.com/2006/07/us-senator-david-vitter-on-bicycle.html
Larry
Great idea, long overdue.
thank you for your efforts and good luck!! i commute to work at least 4 days a week. i am 1 of 2 people in an office of about 25 that rides to work. many live within walking distance to work and yet choose to drive. as we all know,this will not change our dependency of foreign or domestic oil. i keep wondering how much a gallon of gas will cost before people give it a thought. one less car on the road,ann morgan
I live in Detroit the car capital pof the world. I ride 23 miles to
work then 23 miles home by bicycle almost every day. i would do it even if there was no tax incentive. I think this bill is a great idea and is it about time bicycle commuters got more support.
I would also like to see more bicycle friendly roads and drivers. I and constentley being told to ride on the sidewalk by irate drivers. I want to say that riding a bicycle on the sdewalk is very dangerous for a bicycle rider. Cars block the sidewalk at intersections and driveways without any consideration for tbe bicycle rider. Pedistians are put at risk when they enter and exit building along the sidewalk.
Hopefully safer roads and driver/bicycle education will soon help make bicycle commuting a safer eperience for everyone.
The world is full of changes and as the saying goes nothing goes permanent these days. Yes, the world may be having financial crises but people just cannot help themselves to shop around. It's best to shop around in just about all things. It can save you from having to get a payday loan if you shop around. You definitely should shop around in finding the best way for your daily commute. You should also shop around for insurance and the best gas prices, hey – who says more of your money should go to Shell or Exxon? Also, look into public transport, carpooling, and also more conservative driving habits. Lay off the lead foot – it is bad for your car, and the tickets are bad for you and your insurance. (And who wants to give the government even MORE money?) When it comes to your transportation, it definitely pays to shop around.
The world is full of changes and as the saying goes nothing goes permanent these days. Due to recession, many are in difficult situation howrver human are satiable beings and needs must still be met thus it's best to shop around in just about all things. It can save you from having to get a payday loan if you shop around. You definitely should shop around in finding the best way for your daily commute. You should also shop around for insurance and the best gas prices, hey – who says more of your money should go to Shell or Exxon? Also, look into public transport, carpooling, and also more conservative driving habits. Lay off the lead foot – it is bad for your car, and the tickets are bad for you and your insurance. (And who wants to give the government even MORE money?) When it comes to your transportation, it definitely pays to shop around.
I've been saying this for years. I wonder if this particular senator bicycles.
Why should I spend my hard earned money on something that destroys the environment and makes me fat? If anyone wants to use that, go ahead. The only use I see for a car is for transporting a lot of people or cargo at a time. But then, there's the bus for that.
I'm sorry that I'm ranting. Someone questioned my sanity when I shared this opinion.
Oh, and by the way, bicyclists can actually talk to each other without shouting. Bringing the world a little closer.