Bike Fed of Wisconsin Action Alert Ask Your Legislators to Support $5 Million in Additional Funds for Bicycle Infrastructure ________________________________
Dear Bikies, We stand at the doorstep of a very important moment for Wisconsin bicycling. For the first time in history, $5 million has been added to the state's transportation budget that is specifically designated for bicycle projects. This amount accounts for less than 1/10 of 1% of the state's proposed $6.5 billion transportation budget. However, it is critical to understand that this money could be eliminated before the final budget is passed if our Legislators do not hear from us today! Now is the time to contact your state legislators and ask them to support the $5 million Local Bicycle Facilities Grant Program. Action Item: Please contact your State Representative and State Senator, by phone or e-mail, and ask them to support the Local Bicycle Facilities Grant Program in the upcoming state transportation budget. You can easily find their names and contact information by using the “Who Are My Legislators?” website: http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx Talking Points: Wisconsin currently ranks nearly last in total dollars spent on bicycle infrastructure, far behind our neighboring states of Minnesota and Illinois Bicycling is a $1.6 billion industry in Wisconsin, providing manufacturing, retail and tourism jobs across the state. 40% of all trips made by automobiles are 2 miles or less. Improved bicycle infrastructure alleviates congestion, eases wear on existing roadways and reduces pollution. Sample Text of e-Mail The Honorable (Full Name) Room # State Capitol PO Box # Madison, WI 53708 Dear Representative / Senator (Last Name): I am writing today to ask for your support of the Local Bicycle Facilities Grant Program currently in the upcoming state transportation budget. As you know, Wisconsin ranks nearly last in total dollars spent in bicycle infrastructure, well behind our neighboring states of Minnesota and Illinois. The Local Bicycle Facilities Grant Program will help to close that gap. Bicycling is important to Wisconsin in so many ways. Not only is it a $1.6 billion industry that provides manufacturing, retail and tourism jobs across the state, but it is beneficial to our environment, our transportation infrastructure and provides improved health and fitness for all who participate. Thank you for helping to improve the quality of life for all Wisconsinites by supporting the Local Bicycle Facilities Grant Program. Sincerely, (Your name) Please contact me with any questions. Thanks! Brian -- Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin Statewide Outreach Coordinator (608) 251-4456 www.bfw.org "Life's better on a bike!" _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://lists.danenet.org/listinfo.cgi/bikies-danenet.org
