. . Congress
has passed the Federal Transportation Act of 2012. For the
most part it was a disappointment for biking and walking advocates who
anticipate major changes in priorities in government agencies. Funding
levels have dropped from 40% to 70% for active transportation and resource
mandates have been eliminated. Federal guidance that validated these
forms of alternate transportation is seriously weakened. If progress is to
continue, advocates at the national, state, and local level must step up and
make a commitment.
. . This
$100 billion bill draws only 70% of its funding from user fees such as gasoline
taxes. The balance comes from the General Fund into which all taxpayers
contribute whether in a motorized vehicle or on a bicycle. So bicyclists and
pedestrians are paying their fair share, but are they receiving their fair
share? Past equity gains no longer herald future opportunities.
. . With
the pot being dramatically smaller, more private supporters of active
transportation must become available to leverage diminished resources.
Champions in public agencies expect their work assignment to following funding
levels, which in Tennessee could approach zero. For example, last month, Bud
Laumer, a longtime advisor and friend to the founders of Bike Walk Tennessee,
saw his job in Arkansas Department of Transportation redirected away from
active transportation.
Please
see statements from other organization as to their perspective.
- Transportation for America
- Smart Growth America
- America Bikes
- American Public Transportation Association
- American Society of Landscape Architects
- Safe Routes to School National Partnership
. . In
July Anthony Siracusa, President of Bike Walk Tennessee is making
a “listening tour” across Tennessee visiting with advocates in the Memphis,
Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga seeking their input for how this
organization might be able to step up and maintain levels of support and
seeking volunteers to get involved. If advocates are unable to meet with
Anthony, they can post their suggestions to this post on the Bike Walk
Tennessee blog at www.BikeWalkTN.com or
send him a note with contact information at BikeWalkTN@gmail.com.
Tom Evans, Director/Treasurer
Bike
Walk Tennessee
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