[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE ``ACTIVE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2010''

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 2010

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to introduce the 
Active Community Transportation Act, legislation that will provide 
concentrated, long term funding for communities to implement active 
transportation systems. Communities across the country are realizing 
the importance of encouraging active lifestyles, for the health of 
their citizens, the environment, and the economic strength of the 
community itself. As only 68 percent of Americans are licensed drivers, 
we should provide transportation options for those who don't have 
access to a car, generally the elderly and the young. Since half of the 
trips taken in the United States today are within a 20-minute bicycle 
ride, and a quarter of all trips are within a 20-minute walk, there are 
plenty of opportunities to incorporate walking and biking into 
Americans' daily lives.
  Americans will walk and bike if these modes are made safe and 
convenient. However, our nation has failed to invest adequately in 
pedestrian and bicycle networks to make active transportation a viable 
choice for routine travel. Too often we take for granted the value of 
being able to bike and walk to work. It is time for the federal 
government to support infrastructure investments to make walking and 
biking safe and convenient for all Americans. Investing federal dollars 
to create walkable and bikeable communities is also a cost-effective 
way to create jobs and transportation choices. In my hometown of 
Portland, Oregon, our investment of $60 million created 274 miles of 
bike lanes, more than doubled the amount of people who commute by bike 
and provided between 850 and 1,150 jobs. This is just one of many 
stories I have heard about the impact that active transportation 
infrastructure has on people's health, their daily lives, and their 
pocketbooks.
  The Active Community Transportation Act will help communities to 
implement comprehensive, strategic active transportation systems to 
make walking and bicycling safe, accessible and convenient for 
Americans, thereby increasing activity levels, lowering emissions and 
creating healthier, more vibrant communities.

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