[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8653]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



RECOGNIZING NATIONAL BIKE TO WORK WEEK AND THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE LONG 
                           BEACH BIKESTATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2000

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, May 14-20 is National Bike to Work Week. As a 
longtime supporter of bicycling, I encourage Americans to participate 
in this week of safe cycling as an alternative way to commute. As 
concerns rise about congestion on our roads and more air pollution, 
many workers forget about an alternative that is good for the soul and 
the environment.
  Many commuters must rely on cars or public transit to get to work or 
school. However, for many, biking to work represents an often 
overlooked alternative. The bicycle represents a clean and convenient 
method of travel that more Americans are utilizing to stay fit, avoid 
traffic jams, parking hassles and expense, and promote clean air.
  One development that is helping to make biking more attractive to 
commuters is located in the district I represent. The Long Beach 
Bikestation offers a public bike/transit center strategically located 
in downtown Long Beach to help people ride their bikes to work. Fifty 
thousand bikes have been used by satisfied customers. This facility won 
the Federal Highway Administration's Environmental Excellence award for 
Excellence in Community Livability in 1999. The Bikestation connects to 
more than 30 miles of suburban bike paths, downtown employment, 
shopping and a dining district. Modeled after facilities in Europe and 
Japan, the Long Beach Bike Station is considered the first of its kind 
in the United States and has inspired many similar facilities across 
the nation.
  The Bikestation was launched primarily with Congestion Mitigation Air 
Quality funds as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation 
Efficiency Act of 1991, or ISTEA. Since its opening in 1996, the 
facility has offered access to Metro Rail and bus/shuttle services, 
free secure ``valet'' bicycle parking, rental bikes for tourists and 
local businesses, a changing room, repairs and accessories shop, bike/
transit information and a small cafe for refreshments.
  Building upon the gains in ISTEA, Congress broadened its support for 
bicyclists in 1998 with the passage of the Transportation Equity for 
the 21st Century Act, or TEA-21. This law explicitly made bike paths 
and facilities eligible for federal funding. It also mandates that 
bicyclists and pedestrians will be included in long range 
transportation plans and that bicyclist access and safety must be 
addressed in transportation projects.
  I comment those who are promoting bike safety and awareness by 
participating in Bike to Work Week. More information on bicycle safety 
can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 
website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike.

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