BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FUNDING GETS THE AXE

Transportation Enhancements funding eliminated, despite assurances otherwise.

Despite significant public support, the House Appropriations Committee today approved a 2004 transportation budget that expressly eliminates funding bicycle and pedestrian pathways as well as other community improvements. The Committee action zeroed out funding for the popular Transportation Enhancements program.

"We are extremely disappointed in the Committee's action today," says Martha Roskowski of advocacy group America Bikes. "Two weeks ago, Representative Istook (R-OK) wrote a subcommittee bill that stripped funding for Enhancements. After significant public pressure, Istook said he would offer an amendment to restore the funds. His amendment, which passed today, does nothing of the sort."

Istook's original language not only stripped funding for the popular Transportation Enhancements program, it also prohibited other transportation funds from being spent on bicycle, pedestrian and historic preservation projects. The new language lifts the prohibition, but still expressly eliminates the $600 million intended for the Enhancements program in 2004.

Representative John Olver (D-MA) led an attempt to restore the program in committee action, but the amendment failed by a 29 to 33 vote, with two

Republicans, Ray LaHood from Illinois and Mike Simpson of Idaho, supporting the measure.

"The Transportation Enhancements program is tremendously valuable, and I will fight to save it," said Olver, who said he would offer another amendment when the measure comes up before the full House of Representatives in early September.

"We must look to the full vote in September to try and restore this important funding for bicycling and pedestrian improvements and facilities" said Jesse Day, Executive Director of the New York Bicycling Coalition, which works with local advocates in New York State to improve bicycling and pedestrian safety and access.

"Bicycle and pedestrian trails are among the most popular Transportation

Enhancement projects," Olver added. "Not only do these trails provide a means for recreation, commutation and fitness, but they can also attract people into downtown communities and serve as a magnet for economic development."

Since 1991, the Transportation Enhancements program has built 8000 bicycle and pedestrian projects in communities large and small across the country.

"Transportation Enhancements account for less than 2¢ of every Federal surface transportation dollar," says Keith Laughlin, President of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. "For less than 2¢ per dollar we get a popular program that supports locally-initiated transportation projects in communities across America. Those who would eliminate this program believe that every single Federal penny should be spent on highways. I urge Congress to reject such short-sighted thinking."

America Bikes and the New York Bicycling Coalition are mobilizing supporters across the country to contact their members of the House of Representatives to restore funding for the Enhancements program. More information is available at www.americabikes.org and www.nybc.net

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