Last week we brought you the news that the federal government had rescinded $96 million of Pennsylvania’s transportation funding. In the past many states have cut funding for bike and pedestrian projects before highways, and we wanted to be sure that did not happen here.
After a strong outreach effort from advocates around Pennsylvania, we have received word from PennDOT that funding sources for walking and biking projects are safe from this round of cuts. Thanks to all who contacted the Governor’s office and PennDOT.
PA Walks and Bikes will continue to monitor how our state transportation funds are spent, and we will ensure that walkers and bikers are being fairly included in the process.
If you became a charter member of PA Walks and Bikes during our first year, then you may recall that your contribution was made in the care of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP). That was because BCGP was acting as our fiscal agent while we navigated the winding roads of establishing a new nonprofit organization.
We’re happy to announce an important milestone in that process has been passed. The IRS has officially declared PA Walks and Bikes as a charitable organization, allowing us to accept tax-deductible contributions.
Thanks to the volunteers who provided expert assistance in completing our application.
And thanks to BCGP for believing in the work of PA Walks and Bikes and assisting us during our start-up.
In the next few days, PennDOT could swipe millions of dollars from bicycle and pedestrian projects. Contact Governor Rendell and ask him to preserve this funding.
Last week, Congress passed a jobs bill to help states avoid teacher layoffs. To pay for part of the bill, Congress included a $2.2 billion rescission of transportation funds. Of this, $96,758,262 was funding directed to Pennsylvania. Now, PennDOT must decide which programs to take funding from to return to the federal government.
Among the programs that PennDOT could take the funds from are Transportation Enhancements, Recreational Trails, or CMAQ. All three of these programs provide important bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
In many past rescissions, bicycle and pedestrian programs have often been targeted by state DOTs, losing much more than a fair share of funding. Let’s flood Governor Rendell with calls and e-mails to show the importance of bicycle and pedestrian facilities — and that we’re paying attention! Take action today and pass along this message to all your friends and family.
Click here to send a customizable email to Governor Rendell, or call his office at (717) 787-2500
Our Pittsburgh partner organization BikePGH will be kicking off BikeFest 2010 tonight with a fundraiser party at the the Pittsburgh Opera, 2425 Liberty Avenue in the Strip District.
“This year’s BikeFest is truly something special” says Scott Bricker, executive director of Bike Pittsburgh and PA Walks and Bikes board member. “The bicycling community has stepped up in a big way to organize some really fun events. There is something for everyone.”
The fundraiser party on August 6th features an earlier VIP event at 6:30PM catered by Salt of the Earth, the future Garfield restaurant owned by local star chef and cyclist Kevin Sousa, the VIP party also will feature live jazz by marimba virtuoso, Marcus Kim. The main event starts at 8PM and will feature J.Malls spinning funk and soul, while Edgar Um will close down the party with his signature mix of dance hits throughout the years. The party will feature a silent auction and raffles filled with bicycles, a Trek Travel trip donated by Trek of Pittsburgh, gear, bags, tickets to cultural events and more. There will also be raffles, beer, and wine on hand for partygoers.
All proceeds from the party will benefit BikePGH and enable the organization to continually make the city more bicycle-friendly.
So Pittsburghers — Support your local bicycle advocacy group tonight!
As in past years, BikeFest features 10 days of various rides and events geared toward cyclists. Other than the fundraiser, all events are independently organized and sponsored; Bike Pittsburgh serves as a clearinghouse to provide information. All rides are at your own risk. Details and schedules can be found at www.bike-pgh.org/bikefest.
Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee convened a hearing to discuss the funding crisis facing the state’s transportation system. We testified in front of the committee to ensure that walking and biking are part of the solution.
According to the media, the big story to come out of the hearing was that Governor Rendell advocated for an increase in the gas tax, along with an increase to a slew of other transportation related fees. Unfortunately all the reporters in the hearing room raced out on the tails of Rendell. Had they stuck around, they would have realized that the real story of the day is that bicycle and pedestrian advocates are getting organized like never before, and we want to be part of the solution.
PA Walks and Bikes executive director Josh Karns testified to the committee about the need to create a complete transportation system. He reminded the senators that 12% of all trips in the state are done by foot and by bicycle.
Josh advocated for and onther round of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects in the state. PennDOT has been allocated $6 million from the federal government for SRTS, but they are choosing not to use it. Based on the work we have done with the state SRTS network, we know that there is an increasing need for these projects around the state. Although the money could only fund about 12 projects, PennDOT’s decision means that 12 schools that want to help kids walk and bike to school won’t have the opportunity.
Thanks to the hard work of long-time bicycle advocate and PA Walks and Bikes member Pat Krebs and Ross Willard of the Harrisburg Recycle Bicycle, a solid crowd of bicyclists was present in a show of support for the inclusion of walking and biking in Pennsylvania’s transportation funding plan. Thanks for all who came out!
Next up, we are scheduling meetings with the committee staff to get into some of the details of what a complete transportation system will look like in Pennsylvania.
Stay tuned for more…
