[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   INTRODUCTION OF BIKE COMMUTER ACT

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today, Congressman Mark Foley and I are 
introducing legislation to extend commuter benefits to bicyclists. This 
important legislation includes bicycles in the definition of 
transportation covered by the qualified transportation fringe benefit.
  Currently, employers may offer a Transportation Fringe Benefit to 
their employees for commuting to work. Employees who take advantage of 
this program may receive a tax exemption benefit totaling $200 for 
participating in qualified parking plans or $105 for transit or van-
pool expenses. Employees may also opt to take cash compensation 
instead, which is subject to employment taxes. The Bike Commuter Act 
would extend these same Transportation Fringe Benefits to employees who 
choose to commute by bicycle, eliminating the disincentive for this 
alternative mode of transportation.
  It's time to level the playing field for bicycle commuters. Bicycling 
is one of the cleanest, healthiest, most energy-efficient and 
environmentally friendly modes of transportation that exist today. 
Nearly 500,000 Americans already ride their bicycles to work on a daily 
basis, and 52 percent of Americans want to bike more than they do. 
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, bicycles are 
second only to cars as a preferred mode of transportation, 
demonstrating their significant potential for commuter use. Many 
Americans own one or more bicycles, but limit their use to recreational 
purposes. At a time when communities across the country are seeking to 
reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, increase the safety of 
their neighborhoods, and decrease petroleum dependence, bicycles offer 
a wonderful alternative to driving for the more than 50 percent of the 
working population who commute five miles or less to work. In addition, 
since the adoption of ISTEA in 1991, Federal spending on bicycle 
facilities and infrastructure has increased dramatically, contributing 
to a significant improvement in the bicycling environment in a variety 
of communities.
  This legislation is an important step in making the Federal 
Government a better partner for more livable communities. The Federal 
Government should further support these goals by providing 
transportation benefits to people who choose to commute in a healthy, 
environmental, efficient and neighborhood-friendly fashion.

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