DOT bicycle-pedestrian policy gets "thumbs up"

What a way to kick-off a weekend. Last Friday dozens of bicyclists rode down to DOT headquarters to present a letter of thanks and support for our recent policy giving bicycles and pedestrians a seat at the transportation table.

Transportation for America's Lilly Shoup presents the letter of support

The letter was circulated by America Bikes, Safe Routes to School National Partnership, and Transportation for America. And it was signed by over 275 organizations nationwide.

Now, as gratifying as that was, my response was simple: If we're going to be a Department of Transportation with a comprehensive approach, we need to promote biking and walking along with other modes of moving people and goods around.

But--and it's time we were all clear on this point--that does not take away from any other form of transportation.

Look, everyone has his or her own transportation priority. And for some, that transportation priority is tightly connected to earning a living, so the idea that investing in one form of transportation comes at the expense of another is not unimportant. I get that.

But, making walking and biking safer and more accessible is relatively inexpensive. For example, we could upgrade the entire 2,250 mile East Coast Greenway, a network of bike routes stretching all the way from Key West to Maine, for only one-fifth the cost of a single recent I-95 bridge over the Potomac.

We're really talking about a very small sliver of the transportation budget.

DOT policy gets an enthusiastic "Thumbs Up"

When I look around DOT, I see devoted federal workers doing their very best every single day to make all forms transportation in America more effective, more sustainable--and most importantly--safer. There are people working on protecting the lives and livelihoods of truckers. There are people working to help airline consumers and to keep aviation safe. There are people developing high-speed rail options. And yes, there are people here looking out for bikers and pedestrians.

Everyday, we're working on a multitude of ways to connect America more efficiently and more safely.

Getting a Congressional Bike Caucus pin from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association

Some people want to ride their bikes to work or to other services. Some want their kids to have the opportunity to walk to school safely. These non-motorized ways of getting around are clearly more environmentally sustainable, and they lead to better health.

And, according to a letter from Rep. Earl Blumenauer and other Members of Congress, it's what a lot of Americans want.

If we are going to be transportation leaders here at DOT, then we need to lead in all forms of transportation.

I'll be honest; I appreciate that those folks rode down to DOT on Friday to present me that letter. It's encouraging to me and to everyone at DOT.

When they write, "We believe a number of your recommended actions will foster livable communities and enable people to walk or bike routinely and provide more choices for the 50% of total trips that are fewer than three miles,” it tells me we're getting this stuff right.

When they honor the policy of DOT, they honor the many people who have worked for a long time developing that policy and making sure that biking and walking are key parts of what we do.

So, on behalf of everyone at DOT, we sincerely appreciate that these groups and individuals took the time out of their day to say "Thanks." I think it was a great way to start the summer.

Dozens of bicyclists rode to DOT headquarters in support of recent policy

Comments

[David wilson]

Hats off to Secretary LaHood for his support for facilities like the East Coast Greenway, which provide safe places for pedestrians and cyclists. He's right on the money when he talks about how a relatively small amount of money for biking and walking can make a huge difference. Making those investments will pay off for future generations.

- David Wilson

[anne maleady]

DOT and Secretary LaHood get it! Transportation is about making all options work cars, bikes, feet, whatever works! Particularly in urban areas having safe options to walk and cycle impact everyone's life. The extensive trail network in the DC area allows me and many others to commute safely around the city by bike without endangering pedestrians, interfering with traffic, or putting yet another car on the road. The snow last winter made things a bit more challenging so if DOT could fund that East Coast Greenway trail I could head to Florida next winter.

[Harvey Botzman]

I hope the Secretary, his appointed, and civil service employees will encourage Amtrak to modify its position in regard to bicycle carriage in passenger cars.

I urge the Secretary to encourage Amtrak to allow bicycles to be carried in soft sided bags and stored in the front or rear of Amtrak passenger cars where luggage is normally stored.

The bag would be approximately 48"L 33"H 15"W or about the size of a folding bicycle's bike bag (34"L 29"H 9"W). The 48"L 33"H 15"W bag meets airline and UPS specifications for bicycle boxes.

By changing encouraging Amtrak to change its bicycle carriage policy, the Secretary will be encouraging more train travel and more bicycle tourism.

If Amtrak had special on/off fairs then bicyclists and others could get on at one station; get off & tour (bike tour or hike) between another station; then board a train a few days later to repeat the process in several days or even weeks.

An idea route to test both the standard sized bicycle bag policy would be in the Washington/NYC/Boston/Chicago/Toronto to Niagara Falls Amtrak Routes. It is impossible to transport a standard sized bicycle between these significant tourist attractions. Economic development. Tourism is a significant generator of jobs in the U. S. A. economy.)

Please contact me. I wrote the New York Bicycling Coalition's (I am on the Coalition's Board of Directors.) "Comments for Bicycle Carriage..." as a submission to the New York Department of Transportion's 2009 Transportation Plan. [Note that bicycling received only 2 three sentence paragraphs in that plan.]

Joseph Boardman, Amtrak's President was once the New York State Commissioner of Transportation.

[Crystal Talling]

This sounds like a really good move! I'm from England and I'm not sure how big a say cyclists get, however Borris Johnson (Mayor of London) has done much to encourage bike riding, instituting 'cycle to work fridays', though some people in the uk feel this has not been promoted well enough. http://torytroll.blogspot.com/2009/09/boris-johnsons-cycle-fridays-pass.html

It's also possible to get interest free loans from your work to buy a bicycle - this helps the environment and also your transport costs!

Another potential scheme is having rent a bike spots, where you can rent the bike for a day and leave it back in another spot - they already have this scheme in France and Spain, but some are worried that people might steal the bikes and that it would cost too much so this plan is on hold. Would you ever consider implementing a scheme like this?

[JJM PE]

My department is trying to fund a rail trail that will connect inner and outer suburbs to a city core. Our area also has a serious sidewalk deficit. Will this policy result in more funding for bicycle/pedestrian projects, and if so, how do we apply?

[Michael E. Bailey]

We have an integrated transportation system in Orange County that includes a countywide system of bike trails and bike lanes. You can load bicycles on the fronts of OCTA buses and put them on Metrolink passenger cars. Walking, bicycling and transit are the 3 transport keys to a sustainable, environmentally friendly transportation system. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.

[Tom Lais]

Thank you. After so many years behind the wheel of a car I finally feel free riding a bicycle everywhere in every possible kind of weather. Secretary laHood gives me hope that I'll see more people join me.

As a person who works in health care I can see the damage over dependency on a car has made to peoples health. I call the car "fat transit". I don't mean to insult anyone however when we can't or won't walk a few blocks for a loaf of bread we are bound to gain weight.

It is Also clear to me that in a period of tight budgets this low cost high health benefit form of transportation makes sense. Add a few safe routes to the mix and convincing people to do it is simple
just for the record I am from the twin cities. The number one bike friendly community in the nation and proud of it. Ride safe and curtious.

Tom Lais

[Solar Energy Advantages]

Very nice article. I especially believe that alot of people would take advantage of biking to work/school if they had a safe means of doing so. I have frequented several parts of the country where beautiful bike paths exist, but there is alot of room for implementation of new bike paths. It would make our country a healthier place to live in and get our society exercising as well. We can also provide jobs to so many that are need of employment.

[Genuine Psychic Readings by Phone]

I've also heard that lots have been stolen. Not as green but there is also a rent a car by the hour system in london, you pay £60 for the year then £5 an hour. No good for long journeys and not as good as public tranport but still better than owning a car. Especially with the latest congestion charges in london!

[Telephone Psychic]

Our mayor is continuing to make cycling safer for londoners, especially since I heard on news yesterday that 7 cyclists have died this year. One of the best things is they have put a little mirror above traffic lights so that HGV (HEavy Goods Vehicles) don't have a blindspot and so can see the cyclists. They tested it out on the news and it worked well.

[j mosier]

Finally more bikes lanes, most excellent news.

[Kath]

It's great to see communities taking on board environmentally friendly options and making it easier for ordinary folks to be able to 'live green'. It's great to cycle, and dedicated cycle ways improve safety considerably and increase the number of people cycling. We love our local cycle paths, and I commend my local council for implementing this simple but effective transport option. (Especially down by the river - it's beautiful!)

[Eco Girl]

I have a bike in my shed taking up space and gathering dust. It's been there untouched for almost 8 years. I live only 8 km (5 miles) from work and yet I avoid cycling to and from there for safety reasons.

Anything which encourages people to get on their bike and, more importantly, feel safe whilst cycling is great in my opinion.

[Odry G Harman]

Very nice article. I especially believe that alot of people would take advantage of biking to work/school if they had a safe means of doing so. I have frequented several parts of the country where beautiful bike paths exist, but there is alot of room for implementation of new bike paths. It would make our country a healthier place to live in and get our society exercising as well. We can also provide jobs to so many that are need of employment.