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Federal News
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November 24, 2014by Caron WhitakerThe Nov. 4 midterm election saw a major shake up in Congress -- and there are still several local, state and federal run-off elections looming in its wake. Earlier this month, I discussed what these results mean for biking at the state and federal levels. So what's next? Here are the key takeaways from this month's elections -- and what to watch for in the next several months.
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November 4, 2014by Caron WhitakerElection Day is here, and we've got the breakdown on what's at stake for bicycling at the ballot box. In the U.S. Senate, a change of party control, which is looking likely, could spell trouble for bicycling at the national level. Here's why: We could be looking at a May 2015 vote to cut funding for bike projects and removed eligibility for bike and pedestrian facilities from the transportation...
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October 28, 2014by Caron WhitakerUnder current law people who drive to work get almost twice the parking benefit as transit riders get for transit. It's time for Congress to respect ALL commuters. Starting this past January, transit benefits slipped from $245 a month to $130, and parking benefits increased from $245 to $250. Meanwhile, the bike benefit stayed at $20 a month -- but under a current bill in the U.S. House of...
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October 22, 2014by Caron WhitakerLast week, the Congressional Bike Caucus hosted a briefing for Congressional staffers to discuss what’s next for bicycling and walking safety — and the event was standing room only. Many Congressional staffers were supportive of HR 3494, The Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act, and are interested in learning what’s coming next.
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September 25, 2014by Caron WhitakerA few years ago Advocacy Advance recognized the rise of local ballot initiatives to boost funding for transportation as a key opportunity to raise new funding for biking and walking projects. This summer we had the opportunity to partner with Americans for Transit to invest in new research to identify voters who support funding for transit and biking infrastructure.
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September 15, 2014by Caron WhitakerLast week in Pittsburgh, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, announced a groundbreaking agenda by US DOT to address the safety of people who bike and walk in all 50 states. “Safety is our highest priority and that commitment is the same regardless of which form of transportation people choose, including walking and biking,” Foxx told the more than 1,000 attendees at the Pro Walk Pro...
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August 11, 2014by Ken McLeodOn August 22, I will be participating in a panel discussion at Carnegie Mellon University with researchers, transportation agency staff, and industry leaders about the implications of autonomous and connected vehicles. I am looking forward to the opportunity to share the voice of bicyclists with an audience that may shape the next major transportation revolution in our country and would...
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July 25, 2014by Andy ClarkeUPDATE: Congratulations Senators Boxer, Corker and Carper! In a slightly surprising but welcome vote last night, the Senate passed an extension and funding patch for the Highway Trust Fund that expires at the end of 2014 rather than May 2015 (as proposed by the House and original Senate bill). This is important as it forces the hand of this Congress to come up with a long term transportation bill...
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July 24, 2014by Caron WhitakerAs August approaches, Washington, D.C., starts to clear out. On August 1, Congress shuts down for a month and members escape the city to return to their districts and meet with constituents to learn what matters to people in their district. This is a great time to invite your member of Congress to visit a new bike project or program, or to join a local club on a bike ride.
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June 30, 2014by Caron WhitakerThank you to the more than 10,000 of you who submitted comments to the Federal Highway Administration asking them to institute a non-motorized safety performance measure. As of this publication, there have been 10,815 comments submitted.