In the latest budget deal between the Republicans and Democrats, the two parties agreed to rescind (read: take back) $2.5 billion in unspent federal transportation funds. Your state DOT has the power to decide which funds they send back. We sent out an alert last week asking governors to work with their state DOTs to make sure bicycle and pedestrian funding programs are not disproportionately targeted, if at all. Take Action now to protect your state's transportation funding. (Go to this link and select your state from the drop down list.)

Last week several Senators introduced S.800, the Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act to preserve funding for this critical program at current levels. Please contact your senators today and ask them to sign on to the bill.

The innovative and experimental green bike lanes that have been appearing in cities like Portland, Salt Lake City, New York City, and Long Beach are now officially approved for use. On April 18, the Federal Highway Administration approved "the optional use of green colored pavement in marked bicycle lanes and in extensions of bicycle lanes through intersections and other traffic conflict areas." This approval gives the green light to traffic engineers and planners across the country who previously wouldn't use the paint because it wasn't officially approved. This news, along with Janette Sadik-Khan's announcement of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide at the National Bike Summit, paves the way for dramatic improvements in national standards for bike infrastructure, signage and markings.

The increasing number of state and local bike summits is inspiring and will hopefully quickly lead to more bicycle-friendly communities. Upcoming events include:

• New York Bike Summit, April 28 
• Utah Bicycle Summit, Friday, April 29, Andy Clarke is the featured speaker
• PA Walks and Bike Summit, May 4, Jeff Peel in attendance 

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback joined a growing list of governors who have signed a 3-Foot Passing Bill. Brownback signed Kansas House Bill 2192 last week, and it will become effective July 1, 2011. The new law requires motorists to maintain a minimum 3-foot distance when passing a bicyclist. It also includes a "dead red" provision that allows bicycles and motorcycles to proceed with caution through inoperable red lights. Read more about Kansas' 3-foot law.

The Club Leadership schedule is packed in May -- we are hosting a webinar and having a training in Memphis.

The League's Club Leadership Weekend in Memphis, Tenn. May 6-8 is a workshop for our nation's bicycling club volunteers and leaders. If you are active in the success of your club, even if you are not located near Memphis, we encourage you to attend. For this training we've assembled a training team from some of the best clubs in the country. Sessions include: membership, leadership succession, budgeting, volunteerism, inusurance and other important topics. We will also share best practices and lessons learned. The weekend closes with a Club Leadership ride on Sunday, led by local partners the Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club. If you need more information, e-mail Scott Williams.

A few days later on May 10, the League will host the free webinar Club Leadership 101. Register today for Club Leadership 101 if you are new to running your club or looking for ways to improve.

The Initiative for Bicycle & Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), located in the Center for Transportation Studies at Portland State University, is a program in Oregon that works across disciplines and campuses within Oregon to promote walking and bicycling. IBPI's spring through fall courses have just been announced and are open to undergrad and grad students, along with bike/ped professionals.

The League of American Bicyclists is looking to fill three new positions: Director of Education, Bicycle Friendly America Program Specialist, and Bicycle Friendly America Communications Manager. View the League's descriptions of the jobs, and if interested, e-mail your cover letter and resume to Elizabeth Kiker. Reference the job title you are applying for in the subject line.

The Adventure Cycling Association is hiring a Tours Director, located in Missoula, Mont.

Many of you know Phil Keoghan from the television show The Amazing Race and for his appearance at the 2010 National Bike Summit luncheon. Keoghan, in 2009, went on an amazing race of his own and biked across America. The film The Ride recaps his adventure and 100% of box office sales will be donated to the National MS Society, putting Keoghan on track to reach his $1 million goal. The Ride will be shown in a 10-city tour, starting today.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.