Calling All Bicyclists and Pedestrians! Please Take Action Today!
Thanks to calls from bicyclist and pedestrian advocates like you, the Senate refused to hear an amendment that would have blocked any Economic Recovery Bill money from being spent on biking and walking infrastructure projects. Now we need EVERYONE’S HELP to make certain that there is strong support for Transportation Enhancements money for biking and walking in the final bill!
Support Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in the Economic Recovery Bill
The House and the Senate have each passed their own version of the Economic Recovery Bill, aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the economy. Both bills include billions for transportation infrastructure, but only the House bill includes funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects in the Transportation Enhancements program. The House bill includes approximately $1.35 billion for Transportation Enhancements of which 50-60% is traditionally spent on bicycle and pedestrian projects. The Senate bill does not explicitly include Transportation Enhancements, so it’s unclear whether this funding will be in the final bill.
We need to make sure Transportation Enhancement funding is in the final bill.
This week there will be a conference committee where several members of the House and several members of the Senate will work together to reconcile the two bills. Conferees need to hear that Transportation Enhancements are important to stimulating the economy, creating green jobs, and moving us towards a sustainable future.
CALL TODAY!
Please call your senators and representative and ask them to tell the Conferees to support Transportation Enhancements in the Economic Recovery bill. Tell them:
· Bicycle and pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better rate than highway projects.
· These smaller projects can move quickly to hire local businesses and help local economies.
· Providing safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives families healthier and cheaper transportation options.
· Improving sidewalks and bike lanes can make a downtown a destination further helping the local economy.
· Better biking and walking options also help ensure greater energy independence, less pollution, and a healthier United States!
Please share this email alert with all bicyclists and pedestrians you can, and encourage them to join you in supporting biking and walking today! Thank you – together we will make a big difference!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
We are working hard to make bicycling and walking better for you.
Here's just a snapshot of our week:
Monday AM -- Meet with Doug Brown at 10:00, WOOD TO WONDERFUL
1044 N. 8th Street Reading, PA 19604
Phone: 610-488-7924
We'll try to figure out how to work with their bike donation program.
Monday Afternoon -- Meet with Northern Berks Recreation Commission to plan Bike to Work 2009
Monday PM -- Attend local township and borough meetings to promote walking and biking
Tuesday AM -- Attend County Commissioners meeting. Board members and members at large will request that the commissioners support Bike to Work Month.
Tuesday PM -- Finance Committee meets to plan membership renewals.
Wednesday AM -- Host 10,000 Friends' Transportation For Pennsylvania (T4PA) meeting at the Goggle Works in Reading.
Monday AM -- Meet with Doug Brown at 10:00, WOOD TO WONDERFUL
1044 N. 8th Street Reading, PA 19604
Phone: 610-488-7924
We'll try to figure out how to work with their bike donation program.
Monday Afternoon -- Meet with Northern Berks Recreation Commission to plan Bike to Work 2009
Monday PM -- Attend local township and borough meetings to promote walking and biking
Tuesday AM -- Attend County Commissioners meeting. Board members and members at large will request that the commissioners support Bike to Work Month.
Tuesday PM -- Finance Committee meets to plan membership renewals.
Wednesday AM -- Host 10,000 Friends' Transportation For Pennsylvania (T4PA) meeting at the Goggle Works in Reading.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Blog to Lose
I found a wonderful new blog that I think is just fabulous -- Blog to Lose! The most fascinating piece of the blog are member comments -- filled with people who are walking, biking, running, and moving in their own neighborhoods as part of their weight loss plan.
You can take a closer look here:http://www.blogtolose.com/
There is one group that is of real interest to me, 12 Million Steps! The writer is walking 12 million steps in 3 years to reach his weight loss goal. Why? Because he loves to walk! Can't argue with that! Good luck Jay Maynard. I think I'll pick up a pedometer and join you!
Take a look at some of the comments readers are sharing...
You need to be a member of 12 Million Steps to add comments!
3 Comments
Comment by Mamapotamus on January 23, 2009 at 7:53pm
Okay, I joined... but I set my goal at 1,000,000 steps. Thinking of anything more than that makes me want to die.
Comment by Mamapotamus on January 23, 2009 at 6:57pm
It's fate! My husband just brought home a book about places to walk in our city and the metro area... I think he is trying to tell me something.
Comment by Jared Maynard on January 14, 2009 at 10:16am
Does anyone else out there like to walk as much as I do? So far I am a group of one.
You can take a closer look here:http://www.blogtolose.com/
There is one group that is of real interest to me, 12 Million Steps! The writer is walking 12 million steps in 3 years to reach his weight loss goal. Why? Because he loves to walk! Can't argue with that! Good luck Jay Maynard. I think I'll pick up a pedometer and join you!
Take a look at some of the comments readers are sharing...
You need to be a member of 12 Million Steps to add comments!
3 Comments
Comment by Mamapotamus on January 23, 2009 at 7:53pm
Okay, I joined... but I set my goal at 1,000,000 steps. Thinking of anything more than that makes me want to die.
Comment by Mamapotamus on January 23, 2009 at 6:57pm
It's fate! My husband just brought home a book about places to walk in our city and the metro area... I think he is trying to tell me something.
Comment by Jared Maynard on January 14, 2009 at 10:16am
Does anyone else out there like to walk as much as I do? So far I am a group of one.
Spending vs. Tax Cuts
The best way to secure the most jobs -- according to many sources, including the chart below -- is to increase infrastructure spending. If we intend to get Americans back to work and to create sustainable improvements in transportation, education, the economy, and the environment -- we need to spend more money on green, sustainable infrastructure. Take a look, then call your elected officials today!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Improving our roads and bridges -- Main Street loosing to Wall Street?
Walking and Bicycling are impacted by funding sources in Berks County. Click here to read more:
Recreation
RiverPlace
Congressman Gerlach -- Perhaps speaking to the Congressman is timely. Please ask him what he plans to do to support Main Street projects, Revitalization, Walkable Neighborhoods, Transportation Enhancements, and other walking and biking infrastructure that improves our day-to-day lives. Here is an excerpt from the Congressman's website:
Improving Our Roads and Bridges
"Every five years Congress considers Highway Authorization legislation which determines federal highway funding for states. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has primary jurisdiction, Congressman Gerlach helped to secure $8.233 billion for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2005 through 2009 (roughly $1.65 billion per year). In addition to improving federal highways and bridges throughout the commonwealth, this funding also provides money for greenways, pedestrian trails and bike paths in our communities."
STIMULUS AMENDMENT TO PROHIBIT BIKE FUNDING:
Call Senator Specter and Senator Casey Immediately
Senator DeMint (R-SC) has offered an amendment to SPECIFICALLY prohibit funding for bicycles, walking and offroad vehicles. The amendment ONLY goes after bicycle, walking, and offroad vehicle funding.
The Amendment has been offered but not introduced. We do not have a schedule for when this will be introduced and voted on, but we need to alert all Senators to urge them to vote against such amendments and ensure that funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure remain eligible under the transportation funds provided in the stimulus package.
Talking Points:
Bicycle and pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better rate than highway projects.
These smaller projects can move quickly to hire local businesses and help local economies.
Providing safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives families new cheaper transportation options.
Improving sidewalks and bike lanes can make a downtown a destination further helping the local economy.
Click here to call now
(Thanks to the League for partnering with The Alliance to make this easy for our member organizations.)
Recreation
RiverPlace
Congressman Gerlach -- Perhaps speaking to the Congressman is timely. Please ask him what he plans to do to support Main Street projects, Revitalization, Walkable Neighborhoods, Transportation Enhancements, and other walking and biking infrastructure that improves our day-to-day lives. Here is an excerpt from the Congressman's website:
Improving Our Roads and Bridges
"Every five years Congress considers Highway Authorization legislation which determines federal highway funding for states. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which has primary jurisdiction, Congressman Gerlach helped to secure $8.233 billion for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2005 through 2009 (roughly $1.65 billion per year). In addition to improving federal highways and bridges throughout the commonwealth, this funding also provides money for greenways, pedestrian trails and bike paths in our communities."
STIMULUS AMENDMENT TO PROHIBIT BIKE FUNDING:
Call Senator Specter and Senator Casey Immediately
Senator DeMint (R-SC) has offered an amendment to SPECIFICALLY prohibit funding for bicycles, walking and offroad vehicles. The amendment ONLY goes after bicycle, walking, and offroad vehicle funding.
The Amendment has been offered but not introduced. We do not have a schedule for when this will be introduced and voted on, but we need to alert all Senators to urge them to vote against such amendments and ensure that funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure remain eligible under the transportation funds provided in the stimulus package.
Talking Points:
Bicycle and pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better rate than highway projects.
These smaller projects can move quickly to hire local businesses and help local economies.
Providing safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives families new cheaper transportation options.
Improving sidewalks and bike lanes can make a downtown a destination further helping the local economy.
Click here to call now
(Thanks to the League for partnering with The Alliance to make this easy for our member organizations.)
Friday, February 6, 2009
School Siting and Safe Routes to School
Reading Eagle 'Plans for Wilson School District outlined at public forum' by Negley
and 'Kutztown board reconfigures elementary schools' by Park.
Southern Berks News, Tassamer; Blog: TassMania
Greth Development Property (Also known as the Amber Hill Development)
Estimated cost: $3,950,000
Zoning: Rural district, schools by special exception
Aesthetics:Pleasant vistas, absence of noise, open fields, wooded areas?
92.149 acres northwest parcel
16.684 wooded acres southeast parcel
Transportation: Good, no walkers?
Negley writes, "Without the staggered start times, the district would have to spend $1 million for new buses and drivers, Mussoline said."
This does not have to be the case. Districts can cut transportation costs by keeping schools in neighborhoods where children live and by participating in the Safe Routes to School program.
The International Walk to School event lists 225 schools in PA which supported safe walking and bicycling. School districts in Berks County, such as Fleetwood and Antietam, prioritize children's health, the environment, and safety by promoting walking and bicycling through education, encouragement, enforcement, engineering and evaluation. Children who attend neighborhood schools can enjoy walking and bicycling to school all year long with Safe Routes to School programs. Federal legislation, PennDOT, and PANA recognize the value of walking and bicycling and provide funding for communities to establish SRTS programs.
I hope school boards seek input from the public and promote wellness and community development. When schools reorganize by grade level, children in the district are likely to be bused every year. Building and maintaining neighborhood schools allows children to walk or bicycle half of the years they attend public schools. The health and financial costs alone should be incentive enough for districts to protect and build neighborhood schools.
and 'Kutztown board reconfigures elementary schools' by Park.
Southern Berks News, Tassamer; Blog: TassMania
Greth Development Property (Also known as the Amber Hill Development)
Estimated cost: $3,950,000
Zoning: Rural district, schools by special exception
Aesthetics:Pleasant vistas, absence of noise, open fields, wooded areas?
92.149 acres northwest parcel
16.684 wooded acres southeast parcel
Transportation: Good, no walkers?
Negley writes, "Without the staggered start times, the district would have to spend $1 million for new buses and drivers, Mussoline said."
This does not have to be the case. Districts can cut transportation costs by keeping schools in neighborhoods where children live and by participating in the Safe Routes to School program.
The International Walk to School event lists 225 schools in PA which supported safe walking and bicycling. School districts in Berks County, such as Fleetwood and Antietam, prioritize children's health, the environment, and safety by promoting walking and bicycling through education, encouragement, enforcement, engineering and evaluation. Children who attend neighborhood schools can enjoy walking and bicycling to school all year long with Safe Routes to School programs. Federal legislation, PennDOT, and PANA recognize the value of walking and bicycling and provide funding for communities to establish SRTS programs.
I hope school boards seek input from the public and promote wellness and community development. When schools reorganize by grade level, children in the district are likely to be bused every year. Building and maintaining neighborhood schools allows children to walk or bicycle half of the years they attend public schools. The health and financial costs alone should be incentive enough for districts to protect and build neighborhood schools.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
225 Schools Walked in 2008 -- Surely We Can Do Better!
Posted on Wed, Oct. 8, 2008
In Pa., it’s ‘Walk to School Day’ this morning
By Dan Hardy
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Students from 225 Pennsylvania schools, including several dozen in the Philadelphia area, will walk to school today instead of taking buses as part of a campaign to fight childhood obesity through promoting the health benefits of children regularly walking and biking to school.
The Walk to School Day is sponsored by Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA), in partnership with PennDOT, which is providing the funding for PANA's Safe Routes to School initiative. The program seeks to educate schools and communities about safe walking and biking practices by providing mini-grants and technical assistance to those communities interested in implementing walking plans.
According to PANA, national statistics shows that less than 15 percent of students between the ages of 5 and 15 now walk to or from school, compared to 48 percent of children walking or cycling to school in 1969.
More information about the program and the participating schools is at the website of the Safe Routes to School Academy: www.srtsacademy.org.
Contact staff writer Dan Hardy at 610-627-2649 or dhardy@phillynews.com.
In Pa., it’s ‘Walk to School Day’ this morning
By Dan Hardy
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Students from 225 Pennsylvania schools, including several dozen in the Philadelphia area, will walk to school today instead of taking buses as part of a campaign to fight childhood obesity through promoting the health benefits of children regularly walking and biking to school.
The Walk to School Day is sponsored by Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA), in partnership with PennDOT, which is providing the funding for PANA's Safe Routes to School initiative. The program seeks to educate schools and communities about safe walking and biking practices by providing mini-grants and technical assistance to those communities interested in implementing walking plans.
According to PANA, national statistics shows that less than 15 percent of students between the ages of 5 and 15 now walk to or from school, compared to 48 percent of children walking or cycling to school in 1969.
More information about the program and the participating schools is at the website of the Safe Routes to School Academy: www.srtsacademy.org.
Contact staff writer Dan Hardy at 610-627-2649 or dhardy@phillynews.com.
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