Obama on Bikes

Obama Gets A Boost From the Crucial Bicycle Swing Vote
“As president, Barack Obama will build upon his efforts in the Senate to ensure that more Metropolitan Planning Organizations create policies to incentivize (? must be an American word ?) greater bicycle and pedestrian usage of roads and sidewalks. He will also re-commit federal resources to public mass transportation projects across the country.”


Obama on his trike via Bike Diary

In reply to an email from Chris at Trailtapes Obama says

Dear Chris,

Thank you for contacting me regarding S. 858, the Bicycle Commuters Benefits Act of 2007, which expands the tax incentive now available for public transit and drivers also to bicycle commuters. I believe the Bicycle Commuters Benefits Ace is sound policy and thus I have added my name as a cosponsor of this bill.

The benefits of commuting by bicycle is almost an endless list — reducing harmful emissions, reducing congestion, reducing petroleum consumption, promoting personal health — but our public policies have evolved to where smart and sustainable transportation uses are discouraged. Roads are designed without pedestrian or bike paths, office and shopping parks are designed around the automobile, and even the best transit systems may be incompatible with bike use. It is time to revisit all federal policies to better accommodate the energy and environmental health priorities of the 21st century.

Again, thank you for writing. Please stay in touch.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

United States Senator

All over the USA, American voters rushed into the street to celebrate that they will actually have the opportunity to vote for a candidate with brains.