The morning started with a speech from U.S Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood:
LaHood said that the era of "one size fits all" transportation is over. "I want all of you to know that you're going to have a full partner at the Department of Transportation," he said. "Livable communities is a part of our agenda."
Rep. Doris Matsui, D-CA, is introducing "Complete Streets" legislation on Capitol Hill this week that has more "teeth" in it (penalties for state DOTs that don't accommodate all users in Federally-funded transportation projects). "I am constantly looking for new ways to encourage people to travel by bike," she said, adding that America can no longer afford to build roads that accommodate only cars. "Those days of irresponsible transportation investment are over," she said.
"Cycling is a part of America's economic recovery," said Earl Blumenauer, the Portland congressman who has championed bicycling as a legitimate and desirable transportation choice for many years. His assertion is backed up by Tim Blumenthal, head of Bikes Belong, a lobbying group for the bicycle industry. Blumenthal said that sixty-five jobs are created for every million dollars spent on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements. Among Federal projects, this apparently is an impressive ratio.
Blumenthal said that almost 50 percent of all auto trips are less than 3 miles. (Imagine the possibilities...)
The campaign director for America Bikes, Caron Whitaker, told of being stopped in a hallway last week by a staff member of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Are you a bicycle lobbyist, the staffer asked. When Caron said yes, she replied: "We always hear from the bicyclists first--and loudest."
Again from Earl Blumenauer: "I hope that your message on Capitol Hill this week is that you are pedaling what America needs."
Wish us luck tomorrow as we visit our Missouri delegation. And thanks again, so very much, for your help from home.
US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5323865082882842828
US Representative Earl Blumenauer (OR-3rd)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5527072340327644893
US Representative Daniel Lipinski (IL-3rd)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2784701150857668849
US Representative Doris Matsui (CA-5th)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5225171971519783674
Web link: http://www.pedestrians.org