Hey BikePGH msg board readers. We need your help - TODAY!
Federal Transportation Enhancement funds are under attack. Please call and write Senators Specter and Casey (write him... his voice mailbox is full).
Here are talking points:
Dear Senator, I am calling you today to urge you to vote NO on two amendments to the FY10 transportation appropriations act.
Transportation Enhancements are the major funding source for all bicycle and pedestrian programs, and infrastructure projects.
Bicycling and Walking are clean and efficient modes of transportation: Currently, bicycling and walking account for 10% of the national mode share and yet receive less than 2% of the surface transportation funding.
Each year bicycling and walking saves 1.4 billion gallons and 12 million tons of carbon dioxide emission. At a time when we are looking to address climate change and reduce Green House Gas Emission’s (GHG) we should not be cutting funding for biking and walking.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure saves lives. Nationally, 13% of all roadway fatalities involve bicyclists or pedestrians. Cutting transportation enhancement funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities will increase the rate of fatalities for these groups.
Building Bicycling and Pedestrian facilities are good for the economy. Building biking and walking infrastructure creates jobs – bike infrastructure is more labor intensive and less material intensive than building roads. Sidewalks and bike lanes make streets and downtowns into destinations for shopping and entertainment. Investing in walking and biking facilities helps local business and is an investment in the local economy.
Additionally, a recent survey conducted by AARP, shows that 47% of the nation’s elderly currently do not feel safe crossing the streets in their neighborhoods.
10.4 Million Dollars of TE funds have been used to build successful recreational and bike commuting trails and bridges in the Southwest PA region. Please don't let these dollars be slashed. Vote NO today on S.Amendments 2370 and 2371.
Here is the action alert on our website:
http://bike-pgh.org/2009/09/take-action-today-federal-transportation-funds-for-bikeped-projects-under-attack/
The vote could be TODAY so call as soon as you can!