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Advocacy Alert

Transportation Funding Press Conference

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The future of transportation funding is important for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, for our local economy, for job creation, and many other reasons. Congresswoman Lois Capps is going to be in San Luis Obispo to talk about these issues, and what we can do to ensure the future of biking and walking is not in jeopardy.

WHAT: Transportation Funding Press Conference (w/ Lois Capps)

WHEN: Wednesday, August 31st, 10:30 – 11:00 am

WHERE: Corner of Johnson Ave and Buchon St (map)

WHY: Join us, and various local officials, to discuss the importance of funding infrastructure for creating jobs and boosting our local economy, and how the proposed House Transportation Committee plan would cut funding by 33% and jeopardize construction jobs and transportation improvements in SLO County

Speaking in order
Congresswoman Lois Capps
Jan Marx, Mayor of San Luis Obispo
Adam Hill, Chairman of SLO County Board of Supervisors
Bruce Gibson, Chairman of SLO County Council of Governments/County Supervisor
Dan Rivoire, Executive Director of SLO County Bicycle Coalition

 

Ray LaHood at 2010 National Bike Summit

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US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood recently addressed atendees of the 2010 National Bike Summit in Washington DC, here he spoke on behalf of infrastructure development for bicycles and pedestrians:

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhlaMnwxKP0&feature=player_embedded]

After the speech, he wrote a post on his blog that reflected on his energetic appearance at the summit:

Today, I want to announce a sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.

Ray LaHood

From Ray LaHood’s blog post:

To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

  • Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
  • Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
  • Go beyond minimum design standards.
  • Collect data on walking and biking trips.
  • Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
  • Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
  • Improve nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

This is great news for cyclists and pedestrians alike, giving us even more of a reason to get out on our bikes and celebrate!