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Federal News
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December 18, 2014by Caron WhitakerWe've talked a lot about the increase in bicycling and pedestrian fatalities over the last year, but we've never really had an answer as to why. Rep. Rick Larsen of Washington State wants to know what the causes are, and what current transportation design and policy practices might be contributing. And when Members of Congress have a question like that, they turn to the Government Accounting...
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December 15, 2014by Caron WhitakerDuring the 2014 National Bike Summit, we asked members of Congress to support a national goal to reduce bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities. And this weekend, we got it. That's the power of face-to-face meetings with members AND their staff — and that's why we need you at the 2015 Summit this March.
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December 11, 2014by Liz MurphyFor those of you who have ever worked to get a trail, greenway, bike path or sidewalk built, you know that it is no easy task. But of all the obstacles our community faces, the one that poses the greatest threat to trails comes from elected officials who claim that investing in biking and walking infrastructure is a frivolous use of public funds. In recent years, biking and walking infrastructure...
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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...