What Candidates think of Bikes

[pk]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Martha Roskowski, campaign manager, America Bikes
martha@americabikes.org (202)-833-8080

CANDIDATES SAY YES TO BICYCLING

Congressional candidates are registering strong support for bicycling and walking, according to a candidate survey by America Bikes. Over 140 candidates running for House and Senate seats on November 5th have replied to a questionnaire. Responses can be read at
http://americabikes.org/surveys.asp

So far, 86% of respondents "strongly agree" that transportation choices such as bicycling and walking are important to their communities. 91% support the creation of a national Safe Routes to School program. When asked if investments in new and existing road and transit facilities should accommodate safe bicycling and walking, 76% strongly supported the idea, and another 21% somewhat supported it. 73% of respondents supported increasing funding for the popular Transportation Enhancements program, which has helped to build over 8,000 trails in communities across the country since 1991. Many candidates point to specific projects that have been built in their districts.

"These responses from candidates mirror the general public's support of bicycling," says Martha Roskowski, campaign manager of America Bikes. "The results show that we have many friends running for office," she continues. America Bikes is focused on including strong bicycle and pedestrian provisions in the 2003 reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. The group is a coalition of major national bicycling organizations, with major funding from Bikes Belong.

"There is still time to get on record about bicycling issues," says Roskowski. She encourages cyclists to contact campaign offices of local candidates (contacts are at http://politics1.com/states.htm) and ask for responses. Copies of the survey are available through
<mailto:survey@americabikes.com>.

"We encourage everyone to get involved in the electoral process, and support candidates who care about bicycling, whether it's for city council, school board, state legislature, or Congress," says Elissa Margolin, chair of America Bikes. "Cyclists who care about their rights should attend candidate forums and make sure our issues are heard," she says.

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[fellsbiker]

I hate to spoil the good news, but they sure don't sound like they're talking about Mountain Biking at all.

[Z]

Hey let's be real!

What politician is going to make a statement about mountain biking? IMBA has, what, 32,000 members? That's great, but that's not what going to win Florida.

In the meantime, we have to be happy with candidates that care about biking in general and care about open space.

Besides, what's wrong with getting more people commuting on bikes? Less pollution, less traffic, and more people in tune with why bikes in general are awesome! It's the best we can hope for right now.

(And that's why it's critical to join an organization like NEMBA or IMBA. Make your voice heard.)

Hey Z,

You know a guy a name Colesworthy??

[Mt.A TODD]

I have a friend who rides with Tipper Gore at MTA. I have to steal his picture and post it. Now, if I could just get her to ride with ICE T and Eminem, the world would be a perfect place!