Why 'Bike-partisanship' Is Our Secret Weapon (Rep. Earl Blumenauer)
Nov 14, 2023
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Rep. Earl Blumenauer discusses the impact of the bipartisan infrastructure law on sustainable transportation, emphasizing the benefits for cyclists and pedestrians. He advocates for safe streets programs, bike safety funding, and the importance of bipartisan support for cycling initiatives. Blumenauer believes bikes can bridge political divides and promote a more sustainable future.
The bipartisan infrastructure law offers new funding opportunities for sustainable transportation initiatives, fostering a low-carbon and equitable future.
The Safe Streets for All program in the bipartisan infrastructure law provides significant funding for enhancing transportation safety measures and repairing past infrastructure damages.
Deep dives
Impact of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on Transportation Funding
The bipartisan infrastructure law signifies a significant shift in funding for transportation, offering unprecedented sums of money to support rebuilding and renewing America's infrastructure. This legislation opens up a wide array of funding opportunities that can be accessed through various means, paving the way for a low-carbon and equitable future. With the influx of resources, individuals and communities can now appreciate the difference that incorporating these funds can make in promoting sustainable transportation initiatives.
Importance of Safe Streets and Roads for All Program
The inclusion of the Safe Streets and Roads for All program in the bipartisan infrastructure law marks a substantial advancement, providing a billion dollars to enhance transportation safety measures. This initiative supports planning grants and federal funding to bring community plans to fruition, especially focusing on repairing the damages caused by previous infrastructure projects that overlooked community well-being. By offering real funding opportunities, this program allows for the actualization of safety-oriented plans and the promotion of livable, sustainable communities.
Promotion of Bike Partisanship and Federal Policy Changes
Encouraging bike partisanship, Representative Earl Blumenauer emphasizes the need for federal policy changes to empower individuals to make sustainable transportation choices. By introducing legislation that incentivizes alternatives to free parking, such as providing cash benefits for transit ridership or bicycling, policymakers aim to shift away from car-centric policies. The goal is to offer a spectrum of transportation options, enabling families to choose methods that align with safety, accessibility, and environmental priorities. By aligning federal policies with local needs and promoting diverse travel choices, a more sustainable transportation landscape can be fostered nationwide.
As co-founder of the Congressional Bike Caucus Rep. Earl Blumaneuer (D - Ore.) has long been one of Washington's most staunch advocates for sustainable transportation — not least during the writing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which he fought to make better for vulnerable road users through the inclusion of programs like Safe Streets for All and Reconnecting Communities. Now, on the two-year anniversary of that law's passage, we sit down with Earl himself to reflect on the BIL's bright spots — as well as his own 27-year career in Congress, which he recently announced is about to come to an end. And along the way, we also chat about how bikes can help unify a polarized political landscape, how a federal parking cash-out law could create a more just society, and why he considers a little site called Streetsblog the 'secret weapon' of advocates everywhere.
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