Hey DU cyclists and bike commuters!!!

[apnu]

I heard there were provisions in the stimulus deal for alternate forms of commuting (i.e riding your bike to work). I'm having trouble tracking down any data on that, can any of you help me out?

[Junkdrawer]

1. Googled this...The Rs tried to strip it and failed...

Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) introduced an amendment last night that would prohibit funding of “bicycle routes” and paths from the economic stimulus package that’s working its way through Capitol Hill right now.

According to staffers in Representative Earl Blumenauer’s office who are following the bill closely, Sen. DeMint’s amendment was supported in a speech by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK)

...

UPDATE 2/9: According to Blumenauer’s office, this amendment did not make it into the final bill. Blumenuaer staffer Tyler Frisbee wrote to me this morning: “Expect to see more bills/language like this, which means that the bike community is going to have to work to make their voice heard and protect their interests.”


http://bikeportland.org/2009/02/06/senators-look-to-strip-bike-funding-from-stimulus-bill-blumenauer-responds/

[BlooInBloo]

2. And get off of my sidewalk.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

3. Actually, it was in the bailout bill that was passed last year

Employers can provide to an employee up to $20 per month tax free bicycle commuting benefits
Here is one article I found on it.

http://www.cyclelicio.us/2008/10/bike-commuter-benefits-act-passes.html

[Mika]

5. Actually, its $20 per employee to the employer of bike commuters.

That's supposedly to offset the employer's costs to accommodate the cycle commuting employees - lockers, showers, secure parking, locks, etc.

Great, I can get (as the owner) $20 a month (as a bike commuting employee of my business). LOL. That doesn't even cover the wear and tear and replacement costs of a decent pair of cycling shorts. But, its something.

[Junkdrawer]

4. And we'll need secure parking areas...Seen this? A $350+K administrator steals a workers bike...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMeYa8tZWaE