[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF BICYCLING IN TRANSPORTATION AND 
                               RECREATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to rise in strong 
support of H. Con. Res. 305, the National Bike Bill. This resolution 
recognizes the bicycle as an important part of our transportation 
system. Investing in infrastructure that allows for bicycling produces 
enriched health, reduced traffic congestion and air pollution, 
greenhouse gas emission reductions, economic vitality, and an overall 
improved quality of life.
  As the earth continues to warm and gas prices hover around $4 per 
gallon, more and more Americans are discovering that bicycling is a 
smart, healthy, and environmentally sound transportation option. Across 
the globe--from D.C. to Portland to Paris and beyond--bicycles are 
being used as a means for people to reduce congestion and pollution and 
improve both health and quality of life. Locally, communities are 
seeing that investment in bike lanes and bike boulevards, as well as 
education on how to ride, are resulting in dramatic increases in 
ridership. It's time that the Federal Government steps up and becomes a 
better partner to the States and local governments, giving them the 
tools and incentives they need to create of complete and healthy 
communities.
  The Federal Government can assist in those efforts by promoting 
increased bicycle safety, supporting policies that establish national 
target levels for bicycle use, supporting increased intermodal travel, 
providing incentives to State and local government, providing 
flexibility in Federal transportation laws, and encouraging 
partnerships with employers and executive agencies.
  I am pleased that this legislation has over 30 cosponsors from both 
sides of the aisle. Increased transportation options and a higher 
quality of life are ideas that everyone can agree on. I strongly urge 
my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Con. Res. 305.

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