Welcome back from the holidays! We are ready to tackle several exciting and challenging projects for 2012 -- most importantly, saving cycling in 2012. Don't forget to register for the National Bike Summit, our annual event in Washington, D.C. this March 20-22. Watch and share our National Bike Summit Save the Date video. 

 

 

Sincerely,  

 

Andy Clarke
League President

What can we expect this year for transportation re-authorization? If Congress can finally pass the Federal Aviation Bill (the current extension of this program expires at the end of January) we expect that they will turn their attention to surface transportation. However, the congressional calendar for 2012 shows only seven legislative work days this month, so it may be early February before we see any movement. On the House side, Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica (R-FL) has said he wants to mark up his bill either at the end of January or early February. In the Senate, the Banking and Finance committees still need to contribute their pieces of the transportation bill, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said he wants to make the transportation bill among the first pieces of business of 2012.

A lot is up in the air. We will need you in D.C. this March 20-22 at the National Bike Summit to ensure our voices are heard on the Hill. Register now.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) updates the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), Transportation Enhancement (TE) Activities, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Program web pages regularly. Below are notable program updates made towards the end of the year.

1. Federal Transportation Funds Benefit Recreation - The overview of the Federal-aid highway program funding and resources for recreation-related facilities and for nonmotorized transportation, available for public use, was revised in November 2011.
2. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued a Final Policy Statement on the Eligibility of Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Under Federal Transit Law (August 19, 2011).  
3. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) revised its Environmental Justice (EJ) Strategy in October 2011.  
4. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which authorized Federal surface transportation programs, expired on September 30, 2009. Extension #8 extended SAFETEA-LU through March 31, 2012.  
5. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee released S. 1813, MAP-21, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, on November 9, 2011. The America Bikes Coalition -- including the League -- has concerns about how proposals would treat RTP and TE. Furthermore, the bill includes a mandatory sidepath law on Federal lands. This sets a bad precedent.  

Visit fhwa.dot.gov for further updates.  

The National Center for Safe Routes to School announced the newest mini-grant recipients - a program made possible through the federal Safe Routes to School program. Twenty-six schools, municipalities and organizations from across the country will receive $1,000 to support projects designed to encourage students and their families to safely walk and bicycle to school. Learn about the winners and their projects.

Great bike summits are popping up around the country already for 2012. Check out these great events if they are in your area; and like always, let us know of any other upcoming bicycle summits.

• New York City Youth Bike Summit -- New York, N.Y., January 13-15. Recycle-A-Bicycle's Youth Bike Summit is geared toward youth, bicycles, education and advocacy. Learn more.   
• Iowa Bicycle Summit and Expo -- Des Moines, Iowa, January 27-28. This year will feature a consumer bicycle expo on January 28 free to the public. Learn more. 
• Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference -- San Antonio, Texas, February 1-3. Register today.  
• Colorado's second state bike summit -- Denver, Colo., February 6-7. Presented by Bicycle Colorado, the summit will bring together advocates, industry leaders, on- and off-road cyclists, commuters and elected officials and staff from across the state. Register and learn more.
• Wisconsin Bike Summit -- Madison, Wis. February 21. Register now.  
• Third annual New Jersey Bike and Walk summit -- New Brunswick, N.J., February 25. Presented by the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition. Register today.     
• Maryland Bicycle Symposium -- Location TBD, Date: either during the third week of February or the first week of March 2012.   
• Minnesota Bike Summit -- Saint Paul, Minn., March 5. Learn more and register.  
• Oregon Active Transportation Summit -- Salem, Ore., April 16-17. Learn more.  

More than 50 Connecticut advocates and officials from every single county in the state turned out for a successful Action 2020 Workshop in Hartford, Conn. last month.The workshop presented an overview of federal funding sources with best practices, insight into the state and local spending context and tips for integrating bicycle and pedestrian spending into local agency priorities. "There will be new efforts and initiatives as a result of this workshop and with the broad cross section of attendees, the efforts have a very good chance for success," said Sandy Fry, CRCOG Principal Transportation Planner.

Read more about this session and future Action 2020 workshops in Pittsburgh, Pa. on January 20 and Atlanta, Ga. on February 10.

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.