[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4194, DEPARTMENTS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND 
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 
                               ACT, 1999

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                               speech of

                       HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY II

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 1998

  Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman 
Jerry Lewis and Ranking Member Louis Stokes, of the Appropriations 
Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies, for their cooperation 
in awarding federal funds under the Economic Development Initiative for 
two of the most heavily-used bike paths in the Boston area.
  We have received $250,000 for the Arlington-Boston bike path and 
$150,000 for the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway. Bicycling is very popular 
in Boston, and throughout the Commonweath of Massachusetts.
  There are many tangible benefits to bicycling. It improves heath and 
fitness while reducing traffic congestion, air pollution and commuting 
time to work each day.
  The funding awarded for the bike paths through the Economic 
Development Initiative will enhance these benefits. The funds awarded 
for the Arlington-Boston bike path will allow construction to proceed 
on completing a 15-mile commuter and recreational bike path from 
Bedford to Boston.
  The Arlington-Boston bike path will provide a direct connection to 
the Charles River and to the existing Dudley Bike Path to downtown 
Boston along the Watertown Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad.
  The funds awarded for the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway will provid a 
rail-trail connecting the existing Minuteman Commuter Bikeway in 
Cambridge with the Charles River Bikeway in Boston, leading to downtown 
Boston.
  It is estimated that an automobile emits 62 pounds of carbon dioxide 
a year. It is also estimated that the average trip length to work in 
Boston's Central Business District is 12 miles. For each person who 
chooses to ride a bike to work rather than drive a car, the air in 
Boston is relieved of 12 grams per trip of volatile organic carbon, 14 
grams per trip of nitrogen oxides and 120 grams per trip of carbon 
monoxide.
  Mr. Speaker, this clearly demonstrates that bicycling expands the 
recreational opportunities for Boston area residents, while 
contributing to a more healthful environment by reducing traffic 
congestion.

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