Building Active Communities...
One Step at a Time
One Step at a Time
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Building Active Communities... One Step at a Time |
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LocalLocal ChaptersDirectives and funding come down from federal and state levels of government, by chapters are the way we make sure that things get done and funds are granted to projects in the localities. BikeWalk Virginia chapters work with local government, planners, and citizens to develop bicycle and pedestrian plans and advocate for sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and policies that consider non-motorized and alternative transportation needs. Contact us today for more information about starting a chapter in your region, city, county, or town.
Benchmark StudyIn 2007 BikeWalk Virginia asked Virginia localities if they had (1) a bike plan, (2) a pedestrian plan, (3) a bicycle advisory committee, and (4) a pedestrian advisory committee. The survey included several other questions. Forty percent of the localities responsed. Of the responding localities (1) 40% had a bike plan, (2) 20% had a pedestrian plan, (3) 17% had a bicycle advisory committee, and (4) 9% had a pedestrian advisory committee. View the Survey and 2007 Benchmark Study Results to see how your community fared.
StateNationalComplete Streets Act of 2008 On March 3, 2008, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced The Complete Streets Act of 2008, which would work to promote the design of streets that are safe for all of those using the street— including motorists, bus riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians, including people with disabilities. Between 1993 and 2003, nearly 52,000 pedestrians and more than 7,400 bicyclists were killed in road accidents; studies show that the designing streets with pedestrians in mind may reduce pedestrian risk by as much as 28 percent. Harkin was joined in this effort by Senator Tom Carper (D-DE). “Making our streets bike and pedestrian friendly is a win-win for us all,” said Harkin. “It not only promotes healthier lifestyles, it lowers the amount of traffic congestion that many people deal with every day.” Commuter Bill Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Mark Foley (R-FL) introduced H.R. 807 (PDF) in February 2005. The bill has at least 46 cosponsors. On April 24, 2006, Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Susan Collins (R-ME), introduced the companion legislation titled the Bicycle Commuters Benefits Act of 2006 (S. 2635) (PDF) in the Senate. The Bicycle Commuter Act would extend the transportation fringe benefit, currently available to transit users and car drivers, to bicycle commuters. The legislation would provide a tax benefit to employers who offer cash reimbursements to an employee who commutes by bicycle, while helping defray the costs of commuting for the bicyclist. Congress should amend the tax code to allow this benefit. Visit the League of American Bicyclists Web site Advocacy Center for more information.  |
| BikeWalk Virginia · A 501(c)(3) Organization · 4801 Hermitage Road, Suite 101 · Richmond, VA 23227 (804) 261-0507 · Fax (888) 308-9427 |
BikeWalk Virginia is the voice in Richmond and at the federal level for the Commonwealth's cyclists, pedestrians, and trail users.