The latest potential threat to funding for bicycling projects and programs is another round of "rescissions," a mechanism by which unpsent funds are sent back to Washington. This time, state Department of Transportation are required to return $2.5 billion of funds to Washington ... and have till the end of the week to decide which programs are to be hit. Their past record has been dreadful for bicycling programs - last year, $1 billion of a $2.2 billion rescission came from Transportation Enhancements and Congestion Mitigation funds, two of the biggest sources of funding for bicycling projects, even though these funds accounted for less than ten percent of the funds that could have been targeted. See this action alert to demand a more equitable outcome this time around.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced details of the now named Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) III program which includes $526.944 million of available funding. Projects that qualify are similar to previous TIGER grant works -- roads and bridges, rail, transit buses and streetcars, ports, and bicycle and pedestrian paths. Winning projects typically are multi-modal, multi-jurisdictional or otherwise challenging to fund through existing programs. States, local, and tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, metropolitan planning organizations, other political subdivisions of state or local governments, and multi-state or multi-jurisdictional groups can apply by October 3. Visit the USDOT TIGER Web page for more information.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) new Walk and Bike Safely Beginning Level Curriculum is designed for adult English language learners and is a useful tool for teachers or volunteers working with adult immigrants who are learning English. The product is in English and uses a more pictorial approach than the previously posted Intermediate level curriculum on the same subject matter. Walk and Bike Safely consists of six lessons each covering a different safety message. Both the beginning level and intermediate level curriculums can be accessed from either NHTSA's pedestrian or bicycle Web sites.

Open Streets, inspired by international ciclovias, are catching on in the U.S., and initiatives are encouraging communities to experience their public spaces without a car. To advance this growing movement, the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the Street Plans Collaborative are launching the Open Streets Project this summer. If your city or organization has information to share about an Open Streets initiative in your community, please contact Mike Samuelson, Alliance Member Services and Open Streets Coordinator, at (202) 449-9692 x7 or mike@PeoplePoweredMovement.org.

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association will be stopping in D.C. on July 7th as part of its East Coast Outreach Tour to promote high school mountain biking programs in the D.C. area. NICA is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated leaders to help develop these programs. To find out more, e-mail tyler@nationalmtb.org or go to nationalmtb.org/east-coast-outreach-tour.

California citizens please contact your assembly member today to register your support for SB 582. If passed, SB 582 will expand commuter benefits for California workers and give regional planning organizations the authority to mandate commuter benefits for non-drivers. This could be a strategic step to encourage bicycling for transportation in California. Learn more now.

Bikeshare companies are popping up all over the country and now a major hotel company is recognizing the positive impact bicycling has on its employees and guests. DENVER-Sage Hospitality announced a partnership with Denver B-cycle to become the first large-sized employer to purchase annual bike sharing memberships for all full-time employees in downtown Denver -- approximately 600 people. Sage is also becoming the first Denver hospitality company to offer guests discounted access to the bike sharing program. The six participating Sage hotels include The Curtis, a Doubletree Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Denver Downtown, The JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek, Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center, The Oxford Hotel and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Denver Downtown. Learn about the DENVER-Sage/B-Cycle partnership.

Arizona is stepping up it's commuter connections with a commuter parking center -- the Bicycle Cellar. Located next to Arizona State University, the facility offers showers and lockers, secure bicycle parking and related services for cyclists. Similar facilities -- Bike Stations -- are located in D.C. and California.

The City of Copenhagen has just published its Bicycle Account 2010, which shows the advances in cycle traffic in the Danish capital - and where there is room for improvement. The account is made by collecting different pieces of information about the conditions for cyclists in Copenhagen. In addition, it focuses on the number of accidents, economic and environmental gains, sense of safety, and new initiatives. Read more about this informative report.

Wales made worldwide news when they became the first government to introduce a cycling bill to make it a legal duty for local authorities to provide cycle routes. The bill has been announced as one of the Welsh government's priorities during the next five years, and is a result of four years of passionate campaigning by sustainable transport charity Sustrans. Learn more about the Welsh cycling bill and agenda.

Ontario's upcoming provincial election on October 6 is a chance to build public awareness and support for active transportation and bike-friendly communities across Ontario, and they need your help. Take a moment to learn more and sign their pledge.

Safe Routes to School National Partnership is further promoting access for biking to students. A free webinar on bike parking, storage and security at schools is this Thursday July 14, and you should spread the word if your city's officials need a protected place for students and teachers to store their bicycles during the school day. The webinar will address common issues that schools face, present information on common solutions and highlight communities that have creatively faced this issue and as a result have more students bicycling to school daily. Click here to register.

Bike Florida is seeking a new executive director to lead their program. Find out more about this opportunity.