from
Bicycling.com:
http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-3-12-15803-1,00.html?cm_mmc=Bicycling%20NL-_-2007_03_29-_-News-_-financial%20incentives
Oregon
Congressman
Introduces Bike Commuter Act
Congressman
Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) will
join bike advocates on Thursday, March 15, at the Rayburn
House Office
Building in Washington D.C.,
to introduce the Bike Commuter Act. The bill would amend a section of
the IRS
code to include bicycles in the definition of transportation covered by
fringe
benefits. If passed, it would provide strong financial incentives for
employees
to bike to work. Cycling is already known to be a clean, healthy and
efficient
mode of transportation.
With over 50 percent of the working population commuting 5 miles or
less to
work, bicycles offer the strongest potential for reducing
single-occupancy
vehicles. With financial incentives presently offered for a variety of
modes of
transportation, it is time to include bicyclists in the Transportation
Fringe
Benefit.
To show your support for this bill, send a note to your local
congressman. The
League of American Bicyclists makes it easy. Click
here to
write your local representatives. All you do is enter your zip
code, the
letter is automatically generated and sent for you.
Why is this important?
- Financial incentives are currently offered for other modes of
transportation:
it is time to level the playing field to include bicyclists.
- With over 50% of the working population commuting 5 miles or less to
work,
bicycles offer the strongest potential for reducing single-occupancy
vehicle
trips.
- According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, bicycles are
second
only to cars as a preferred form of transportation. Excluding this
highly
preferred mode of transportation does not make sense and is
counterintuitive.
- Studies have shown that when offered bike parking and/or access to
showers,
individuals are 40% more likely to bike to work.
Communities across the nation are seeking to reduce traffic congestion,
improve
air quality, and make neighborhoods safe. The federal government can
assist in
those efforts by promoting bicycling use through the existing
Transportation
Fringe Benefit of the tax code.
For more information, please go to Congressman Blumenauer's website.
To show your support for this bill, send a note to your local
congressman. The
League of American Bicyclists makes it easy. Click
here to
write your local representatives. All you do is enter your zip
code, the
letter is automatically generated and sent for you.
