Welcome to the FastLane: The Official Blog of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Tennessee Volkswagen plant promises reduced demand for imported oil, lower carbon emissions, more jobs

When President Obama said in January that American workers could out-build the competition, he might very well have anticipated the new Volkswagen Passat assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

Volkswagen's commitment to U.S. workers and to putting down roots here demonstrates the economic value America brings to the table.  That value is why Volkswagen has decided to put 2,000 Americans to work in Chattanooga manufacturing the cars of the future.  The plant will also generate more than 9,500 additional indirect jobs by creating work for its suppliers and jump-starting a ripple effect through the production chain. 

Because of President Obama’s leadership, we’re on the path to a smarter, cleaner energy future.  And in the new kind of transportation system our nation requires, clean-diesel has an important role to play. The Passats being built in Chattanooga will emit 30 percent less carbon pollution than conventional diesel vehicles.

They can also get between 40 and 50 miles per gallon, returning between 700 and 800 miles on a single tank.  This fuel-efficient technology will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.  If one-third of all United States vehicles used this kind of fuel-efficient clean diesel, we would save 1.4 million barrels of oil a day. 

Chattanooga workers celebrate the new plant's inauguration

FAA goes the extra mile to honor Doolittle pilot

Every day, the Federal Aviation Administration's Air Traffic Organization manages more than 50,000 aircraft in American airspace. On the morning of April 16th, controllers at Potomac TRACON coordinated the flight path of one very special plane, a World War II era B-25 bomber flying over Arlington National Cemetery to honor Col William Bower.

Col. Bower piloted a B-25 during the famous Doolittle bombing raid on Japan during WWII. The raid was a huge morale lift for Americans, coming shortly after the catastrophe at Pearl Harbor. Sixteen bombers carrying 80 crewmembers took off on April 18, 1942, from the USS Hornet aircraft carrier.

Crew of Plane 12: Lt. William Pound, Jr., Bower, Sgt. Omer Duquette, Lt. Thadd Blanton, Sgt. Waldo Bither

There were several catches to this extraordinary mission. First, a B-25 had never flown from the deck of an aircraft carrier, and no one was sure if it was even possible. Second, even if the pilots successfully took off and fulfilled their mission, the plane could not carry enough fuel for a return trip. After the bombing raid was completed, the crew would have to ditch their planes in the ocean, or perhaps in China, if they could reach the mainland.

Fortune was with the crewmen on takeoff; all of the planes made it off the carrier, reached their targets, and fulfilled their missions.  One plane landed in Russia, where its crew was interned.  The other planes ditched in the water or over China.  Seven men died from drowning, execution, or malnutrition.  Bower and his crewmen parachuted safely into China.

When Col. Bower, the last surviving "Doolittle" pilot, died in January at the age of 93, one of his final requests was to have a B-25 fly over his funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery.

Although the request was unusual and would require complicated arrangements, the crew at the Potomac TRACON understood its importance. J.J. Johnston, manager of the National Capital Region Coordination Center, was familiar with the Doolittle Raid and went to bat on behalf of Col. Bower and his family:

“It was the right thing to do. I took it upon myself to work with the TSA and the other air security partners in the national capital region to take a look and—consistent with security protocols—get this approved.”

The B-25 over Arlington National Cemetery, photo Jerry Hughes

Congratulations, Kansas, on becoming the 14th state to require ignition interlocks for all drunk drivers

Most Americans today are well aware of the deadly consequences of drunk driving, so it may surprise you to learn that drunk driving is still so prevalent. In fact, drunk driving is to blame for nearly one-third of all fatal crashes in America every year. 

These crashes are 100 percent preventable, and we are constantly looking for new ways to combat drunk driving and save lives on our roadways.  

That’s why I’m pleased that on Wednesday, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed legislation that would require all convicted drunk drivers to use an ignition interlock device in their car. 

An ignition interlock is a breath test device linked to a vehicle’s ignition system.  Before starting their vehicles, drivers must first blow into the device.  The vehicle will not start unless the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below a pre-set standard. 

These devices have already prevented many crashes and saved countless lives.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control evaluated 15 peer-reviewed interlock studies and concluded that interlocks reduce the number of drivers who obtain a second DUI by 67 percent.  That’s  a  pretty significant decrease.   Consequently, the CDC recommends that these devices be used by all convicted DUI offenders. 

But it’s not just studies that show these devices work – the real proof is in the number of lives saved. 

Click It or Ticket campaign has one simple goal: saving lives

Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the unofficial beginning of summer.  And soon, by the millions, our families, friends, and neighbors will hit the road for a vacation across the country or a barbecue across town.

As we do every year, DOT is supporting nationwide Click-it-or-Ticket enforcement efforts this week for a simple reason: seat belts help save lives.

This morning, I was pleased to join National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland and Chief James Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department to officially launch the 2011 “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement campaign.  I am particularly grateful to the officers from area law enforcement agencies for coming down to DOT headquarters on their own time to show their support for this campaign.

All photos courtesy Julie Fischer McCarter, DOT

Through June 5, 10,000 police departments coast-to-coast will be out in force writing tickets if you’re not wearing a seat belt.  Their message is simple: If you’re not buckled up, they will ticket you--every single time they catch you driving or riding unbelted in your car.

But, as Chief Johnson and Administrator Strickland both said, this campaign is not about writing tickets.  It's about saving lives.

The Click-It-Or-Ticket stunt team was out with a strong visual reminder of enforcement efforts

Regulatory review at DOT off to a good start, with more results to come

Earlier this year, President Obama outlined a plan to create a simpler, smarter 21st-century regulatory system that protects the health and safety of the nation while also promoting economic growth, job creation, and innovation.   With an Executive Order, he challenged agencies across the federal government to review rules already on the books and remove those that are out-of-date, unnecessary, excessively burdensome, or in conflict with other rules. 

The Department of Transportation was happy to rise to that challenge, and today we are pleased to submit our Preliminary Plan for Retrospective Review and Analysis of Existing Rules.

Almost immediately after the President outlined his plan, through a notice in the Federal Register, DOT solicited comments from the public about rules we should review.

On March 14, we held a well-advertised public meeting at our headquarters in Washington, DC.  To make participation easier and the meeting's proceedings more transparent, we streamed that meeting live on the internet and phone lines.  We permitted speakers to submit comments either in person or by telephone.

We also used IdeaScale, a web-based, interactive discussion tool to allow the public to submit written feedback and to comment and vote on suggestions submitted by others.  On the www.dot.gov website, we placed a special button icon designed to draw people's attention and bring them to the IdeaScale site.

Additional outreach attempts included a media alert, emails to interest groups, and a blog post I published here.

The point is, DOT beat the bushes to stimulate public participation in our regulatory review.  And I hope you'll agree that effort paid off.

As a result of our review, we have identified 70 regulations for action.  Of these, 19 would reduce burdens on small businesses, 11 would reduce information collection burdens, 12 would reduce the burdens on state, local, or tribal governments, and four would involve coordinating rules that overlap with other federal agencies.

One cost-saving example is the Federal Railroad Administration's positive train control rule.  FRA has examined this rule and decided that revisions could be proposed that would significantly reduce industry burdens without adversely affecting rail safety.  We expect savings on PTC installation alone to total between $225 million and $400 million.  Over 20 years, installation and maintenance savings should total between $440 million and $1.04 billion.

New fuel economy labels get enthusiastic reception

This morning, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and I unveiled new fuel economy labels for new cars and trucks sold in the U.S.

With all the terrific innovations and fuel-saving features from automakers, now is the time for the most extensive overhaul of fuel economy labels since they were introduced three decades ago.  As Administrator Jackson said, "A new generation of cars requires a new generation of fuel economy labels."

These next generation labels are designed for one purpose, and one purpose only: to help consumers make better decisions when they're shopping for a new vehicle.

And that's exactly what the new labels do.  When evaluating new cars or trucks, consumers can see easy-to-read information comparing the fuel efficiency and tailpipe emissions of one model to others within its class and to the entire range of vehicles available in America.

Consumers Union President Jim Guest promises to download a smartphone Quick Reader app to scan the new labels

Joining us at today's announcement, Consumers Union President and CEO Jim Guest welcomed the new labels:

"Consumers Union and Consumer Reports are all about providing information to consumers that is easy to understand and science-based.  Providing consumers with clear, accessible, and comparative information is a critical goal for us, and these new fuel-economy labels are right down our alley, especially now when people are certainly feeling a pinch at the pump.”

He also demonstrated in terms we can all understand how important better fuel-efficiency is to family budgets: "When one car gets 15 percent more miles per gallon, that's like knocking down the price of gas to that consumer from four dollars-per-gallon to three-sixty per gallon. And that's a significant difference."

That's why President Obama has had us working so hard on these new labels.  Helping Americans make better-informed decisions saves them money at the pump.

Next generation fuel economy labels arm consumers with information they can use

This Administration has taken unprecedented steps to protect consumers at the gas pump.  In March, the President announced a plan to reduce our oil imports by a third by 2025--leveraging domestic resources while reducing the oil we consume.  Since the beginning, this Administration has been making investments and taking smart steps that are already helping us move towards this important goal.  You can see it in our investment in alternative fuels and our support of electric vehicles--creating jobs while decreasing costs for consumers.

Most importantly, you can see it in the historic, national fuel economy standards for passenger cars and trucks achieved last year under President Obama’s leadership.

Today, I'm excited to join Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson in introducing new fuel economy labels that will empower car buyers with better information about what they will spend or save on fuel costs when looking to purchase a new vehicle. This is one part of President Obama's plan to provide Americans with relief from high gas prices and break our dependence on foreign oil.

These labels offer consumers more information in a more usable format.  When shopping for a new vehicle, you'll be able to see your expected savings over a five-year period, a fuel economy comparison to other vehicles in the same class, and easy-to-understand guidance about each car or truck’s environmental impact.  The bottom line is that these labels will help people make informed decisions when they're buying a car, so that they can save money at the gas pump.

DOT, APTA strong partners for America’s public transportation systems

With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon in many areas, I’m sure we all agree it’s more important than ever to provide affordable, reliable transportation choices in our communities.  And, in many parts of the country, that commitment begins with bus service.

At the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Bus and Paratransit Conference in Memphis this week, Federal Transit Deputy Administrator Therese McMillan and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro spoke about the important goal of strengthening America’s bus transit systems.

 

President Obama’s 2012 budget proposal puts public transportation squarely at the heart of the Administration’s plan to create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of American workers and businesses.  Seeking $22 billion for transit--a proposed increase of $10 billion over our fiscal 2010 funding--is arguably the most significant vote of confidence in public transportation ever made by a U.S. President.

As Deputy Administrator McMillan noted, FTA has already been making game-changing investments to spur research, development, and testing of fuel-cell buses, hybrid buses, and bus rapid transit.

FAA introduces easy steps for safer, smoother summer air travel

Memorial Day weekend is coming up, and that means the summer travels season is upon us.  As millions of people will take to the skies, we at the Department of Transportation are doing everything we can to keep air travelers as safe as possible.

And passengers can help us by taking a few simple steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.  Introducing a list of five simple safety steps for air passengers, Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt said, "We're calling on passengers to take an active role in aviation safety."

 

To help passengers focus on safety when they board an airplane, the FAA and the Association of Flight Attendants teamed up to compile this useful list for air travelers of all ages. 

As Administrator Babbitt said, "We are asking every passenger to take just a few minutes to follow our safety tips and, most importantly, pay attention to your flight and cabin crews.”

Here are the five important guidelines for a smoother, safer flying experience:

• Pay attention to the flight attendant safety briefing at the beginning of your flight and read the safety briefing card.
• Buckle up. Keep you and your family safe by wearing a seat belt at all times while seated.
• Use an approved child safety seat or device if your child weighs less than 40 pounds.
• Prevent in-flight injuries by following your airline’s carry-on restrictions.
• When it’s time, turn off your personal electronic device.

Avoiding rail distraction requires a team effort

Earlier today, we released a powerful video, "Faces of Distracted Driving: Jacy Good," about the dangers of cell phone use while driving.  That's just the latest effort in the fight we've been waging against this deadly epidemic for more than two years.

But our safety initiatives to prevent distraction don't end with motor vehicles on our roadways.  In fact, all modes of transportation are susceptible to dangerous distractions caused by the improper use of electronic devices.

As we look to the future, railroads are poised to play an ever-greater role in the movement of people and goods.  The hazards of using distracting electronic devices on America's railways have been made abundantly and, at times, tragically clear.

Last month, the Federal Railroad Administration hosted an Electronic Device Distraction Summit. And just last week, FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo addressed the Rail Safety Advisory Committee with a clear anti-distraction message:

"Despite specific restrictions and the increased attention the problem is receiving, we know that the improper use of personal electronic devices continues in the rail industry.  There is more that we must do to make this behavior socially unacceptable in the workplace."

Administrator Szabo also pointed out that the dangers of distraction are not limited to locomotive cabs: "While the temptation is to focus on train and engine employees, the reality is that yardmen, dispatchers, signal maintainers, roadway workers, shuttle drivers, and those in the mechanical shops are all at risk where the improper use of distracting devices is concerned."

Faces of Distracted Driving: Jacy Good "I never want anyone to go through what I've been through"

"No one expected that I would live past the first 36 hours."

Those are the haunting words of Jacy Good, a woman who knows all too well about the tragic consequences of distracted driving.  It was almost three years ago to the day that Jacy lost both of her parents--and almost her own life--because a driver chose to focus on a phone call instead of the road.

And she shares her story in our latest "Faces of Distracted Driving" video.

Bike To Work Day demonstrates the many transportation benefits of bicycling

Across the country today, folks are observing National Bike to Work Day, an annual celebration of bicycle commuting.  I think it's a terrific way to wrap up National Transportation Week because it reminds us that bicyclists--like car-poolers, truckers, and other drivers--are important users of America's roadways. 

I'm particularly pleased that so many DOT employees at our headquarters took advantage of the nice weather in Washington, DC, and rode their bikes into work today.

Some of the DOT employees who biked to work gather on our headquarters steps

DOT Undersecretary for Policy Roy Kienitz and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff, spoke to a large crowd at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association's annual Bike to Work Day rally at Freedom Plaza.

This year, the association registered more than 10,000 cyclists who biked to work, some in commuter convoys, to 49 different pit-stops throughout the region.  Over 2,000 cyclists stopped by the Freedom Plaza event on their way to work to get to know their fellow cyclists and celebrate the benefits of cycling.

FTA Administrator Rogoff, Undersecretary Roy Kienitz at Freedom Plaza rally

I’ve said many times before on this blog that bicycling should no longer be treated as a second-class form of transportation when it comes to policymaking. Administrator Rogoff emphasized that idea today:

"The Obama Administration has been making great progress to advance cycling as a mainstream, efficient way to commute to work.  These roads are meant to be shared, and we're helping to make that happen."

And with gas prices above four dollars a gallon in many communities, bicycling has become an even more sensible option. As Administrator Rogoff said, "Cycling is more than just a healthy way to get around; it goes right to the core of achieving President Obama's effort to reduce our nation's dependence on oil."

Women's Transportation Seminar names FRA's Karen Rae "Woman of the Year," joins DOT in new "Transportation YOU" initiative

Last night was a big one for the Department of Transportation at the annual Women's Transportation Seminar awards dinner.  Not only did we launch an important new national educational initiative aimed at girls and young women.  It was also my distinct pleasure to watch Deputy Federal Railroad Administrator Karen Rae take home the WTS "Woman of the Year" award and the Volpe Center get the "Employer of the Year" nod.

"Transportation YOU" is a joint initiative of the DOT and the Women's Transportation Seminar to promote education in the important areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  Through hands-on activities, mentoring, field experience, and a national virtual community, the program will also introduce teenage girls to the wide variety of transportation careers.

To make our vision for a cutting-edge transportation network a reality, we need to tap the best and brightest minds of this generation.  And if we truly want the best and brightest, we must ensure that young women have all the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in transportation careers. 

When women do better, families and communities do better.  So, by investing in America’s women, we’re making a sound, smart investment in America’s future.  That is why I am so pleased to partner with the Women’s Transportation Seminar on this initiative.

One woman who has mentored a variety of young professionals throughout her decades of leadership in rail and transit growth is Karen Rae.

Remembering San Bruno by encouraging pipeline safety across America

Safety will always be the top priority at the Department of Transportation, but it’s not a mission we can do alone.  It’s a job for all of us—and we must work together.

Later today, I will be visiting the site of the tragic San Bruno explosion with Rep. Jackie Speier. The natural gas explosion killed eight people and destroyed dozens of homes, decimating an entire neighborhood.

This loss is more than an unfortunate tragedy. It is a call to action to improve pipeline safety.

I’m asking for America’s pipeline owners and operators to take a good, hard look at their lines as part of a top-to-bottom review. We want them to to replace and repair those lines in poor condition as soon as possible.  

I’ve also called on Congress to raise the maximum civil penalties against companies committing safety violations, boost the number of safety inspectors, and close the loopholes that allow pipeline owners to evade safety standards.

Courtesy NTSB

Celebrating National Transportation Week in California: one day, many transportation benefits

During the last few months, working families have shouldered the extra burden of expensive gasoline.  President Obama understands that Americans are feeling a great deal of pain at the pump these days. And we will continue doing everything we can to alleviate these burdens now while laying the groundwork for a secure and sustainable energy future.

Yesterday, I traveled to California, where Congressman Mike Thompson and I toured some projects that are putting Americans to work building a less oil-dependent transportation system.  It was a fitting way to mark National Transportation Week because we visited four completely different ways of moving goods and people where they need to go.

First,we toured the headquarters of the California Fuel Cell Partnership.  This innovative facility is the nerve-center for California’s state-of-the-art fuel cell development.  I also had the opportunity to see their hydrogen refueling station and a fuel cell bus already in passenger service for Alameda-Contra Costa Transit.  These buses not only get 60 percent better fuel economy than their diesel predecessors; they are also more reliable.

DOT investments are helping this technology gain a foothold in California.  These clean buses have already carried more than 850,000 Bay Area passengers more than 350,000 miles.  And the Golden State has more hydrogen stations than any other region in the world.

After touring the Fuel-Cell Partnership, Congressman Thompson and I toured the Port of West Sacramento.  A few short years ago, the port had fallen on hard times.  But thanks in part to a $30 million DOT TIGER grant, the port has been transformed.

These dollars went toward new facilities and equipment that will help workers move more container cargo, including agricultural products and consumer goods.  The port is now completely powered by solar energy. The grant also helped launch a container barge service among the ports of West Sacramento, Stockton, and Oakland.

As we're celebrating National Maritime Day today, I want to point out that moving cargo by water is the most fuel-efficient way we have to get freight to markets.  A thriving Port of West Sacramento will ease congestion on area roads and keep commerce moving on this marine highway—a great way to keep costs down as fuel prices rise.

Tired of high gas prices? Consumers can now look to American-made electric cars for relief

Rising gas prices are putting a strain on family budgets across America.  With gas above four dollars per gallon, working families are often paying more than $60 to fill their tanks, and consumers are increasingly turning to more fuel efficient hybrid and electric vehicles for relief.
 
Yesterday, in Smyrna, Tennessee, I had the opportunity to tour the construction site for a facility that will manufacture Nissan Leaf batteries to support increased consumer demand for electric vehicles. Once the plant is completed later this year, American workers will begin producing 200,000 lithium-ion batteries each year. This will go a long way toward meeting the increased demand for electric cars, and to meeting the President’s goal of putting one million electric vehicles on our roads by 2015.

As an added incentive for consumers looking to avoid the pump altogether, we're also proposing converting the $7,500 tax credit for those who purchase hybrid and electric vehicles into a tax rebate.  This would allow people who are interested in buying these energy-efficient cars to take advantage of the discount right at the point of purchase instead of having to wait as long as a year for refund checks to arrive in the mail.

 

Montano Intermodal Center will help connect Albuquerque residents, communities

By 2030, the fast-growing Albuquerque, New Mexico, region expects automobile travel times to double.  When you couple that with soaring gas prices, area residents badly need transportation options.

The Department of Transportation understands that need, and yesterday, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff was in Albuquerque to award the Rio Metro Regional Transit District $6.7 million to help construct the Montano Intermodal Center. By providing new transit connections in a safe facility with real-time rider information and wi-fi access, the new center will soon become a centerpiece of the region's transportation network.

FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff in Albuquerque

When the new center links enhanced ABQ Ride bus service with New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail, it will serve the 3,000 transit-dependent residents of the Jefferson corridor and the 46,000 people working each day along that corridor.  Bicycle racks and lockers, park-and-ride lots, and street enhancements will help the center truly live up to its name as an intermodal facility.

Investing in this four-acre facility will also jump-start redevelopment and new economic opportunities in the area.  Encouraged by the success of Rail Runner stations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, the city anticipates a revitalized North Fourth Street and more affordable housing close to downtown.

As Administrator Rogoff said, "It's a great day for Albuquerque, a great day for New Mexicans looking to spend less of their paychecks at the pump, and a great day for area construction workers looking for the jobs this project will deliver."

Better, more sustainable connections to home, work, and Albuquerque's downtown without fighting traffic or getting stung by high gas prices--add construction jobs now and future economic revitalization, and that's a recipe for a smart transportation investment. That's how we win the future.

Champions of Change roundtable ushers in National Transportation Week

To kick off National Transportation Week yesterday, Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari joined a White House "Champions of Change" conversation about the pressing need to develop tomorrow's transportation professionals.

Deputy Secretary John Porcari

Transportation is a great place to start when creating jobs.  Across all modes of transportation—from roads, bridges, and buses to airports, trains, and maritime—America will always need workers to maintain our transportation networks and build new ways to connect goods and people.

But it’s not enough to just create new jobs. With 50 percent of the current transportation workforce eligible for retirement in 2013, and significant technological changes affecting all modes of transportation, we must educate the next generation of workers.

As President Obama said in his National Transportation Week proclamation, "America has long depended on a robust and reliable transportation network to support our drive towards lasting security and prosperity."

Transportation Champions of Change

FTA New Freedom program funds rollDC accessible taxicabs

I’ve written before about the importance of making our transportation systems fully accessible to all Americans.  The Department of Transportation has been a strong advocate for accessibility in transportation from boats and airplanes, right down to buses and sidewalks.  

A week ago, we proudly watched while the name of Charlie Sabatier, a tireless accessibility advocate, was inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  And last Thursday, we helped the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) introduce 20 wheelchair accessible taxi cabs as part of the rollDC program.

Richard Devylder demonstrates the new cab's ramp.

At the rollout, our Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation, Richard Devylder, said:

“A transportation system that provides service for people with disabilities also provides them with enhanced opportunities to pursue employment, education, essential services and the American dream.”

Until now, people in wheelchairs have relied on fixed route transit and paratransit to get around our nation's capital.  But both of those services--outstanding as they are--only serve a limited area and run limited schedules.

Now, rollDC offers people with disabilities on-demand transportation options to go wherever they want, whenever they want, be it a late-night concert or an early-morning church service.  As Richard Dyvelder said, "It gives people with disabilities a lot more flexibility."

Funded in large part by a $1 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s New Freedom program, rollDC allows the tens of thousands of Washingtonians and visitors with disabilities to use local taxi service, just like people without disabilities.  That's accessibility.

Are you ready for the 2 Mile Challenge?

High gas prices are hitting American families in their wallets and pockets pretty hard these days.  But did you know that more than 40 percent of urban trips in the United States are less than two miles, yet 90 percent of those short trip are taken by car? 

Many of these trips could easily be taken by public transit, on foot or by bicycle--saving money, helping the environment, and even affording the chance to stay fit all at the same time.  At the Department of Transportation, we know these are the kinds of alternatives people are looking for, and we're working to provide transportation options that don't require getting into the car.

That’s why I was pleased to hear about a new competition called the 2 Mile Challenge that demonstrates how many car trips could be replaced by bikes.

The challenge is pretty simple.  Organizers have selected three non-profit team sponsors.  Each team recruits members, who log their miles traveled by bicycle from May to October.  Anyone can register online and join a team--and you don't even have to go to any meetings!

The gold team pedals for the Alliance for Biking and Walking, the blue team pedals for 350.org, and the red team pedals for the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. 

Congratulations, Bradley University class of 2011

On Saturday morning, I returned to my alma mater, Bradley University, and delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2011. 

During a weekend of  well-deserved celebration, I asked the graduates to think about two of the reasons why America’s experiment with self-government endures.

With Bradley University president Joanne Glasser; photo courtesy Sean Work, Peoria Journal Star

One is community.  It draws its meaning from the lasting importance of shared ritual and collective experience.  The other is civility – the idea that while we may disagree, we can still treat each other with mutual respect.

During the last four years, the class of 2011 has learned to put these values in practice.   From living in the dorms together, studying together, competing on the athletic field together, and serving their neighbors together, a group of individuals became a vibrant community – and members of the Bradley alumni family forever. 

But they also learned to disagree without being disagreeable – and to treat one another with common courtesy.

After all, once we acknowledge that someone is part of our community--whether that community is as small as the Bradley class of 2011 or as large as our nation--how can we not treat that person with respect?   How can we not listen to those with whom we share a bond, even when they disagree with us?

So my message to the graduates was this: As you leave campus and begin your lives and careers, bring your love for Bradley University with you, but bring your dedication to strong community and active civility as well.

Kings Point's "Summerwind" sails into the nation's capital

At the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, the "Waterfront" is more than a place. It's a community of midshipman, faculty and staff dedicated to enriching maritime training at the Academy with on-the-water experience.  As Commander Chris Gasiorek '95 says, "Any chance to get a cadet on the water is a chance to make that cadet a better mariner."

And making better American mariners is exactly what the USMMA has been doing at Kings Point since 1943.

Last week Academy Superintendent RADM Philip Greene invited me aboard the academy's flagship training vessel, Summerwind, when the vessel and its crew sailed into Washington, DC.  I think the DOT leaders who joined me on my visit would agree that--as impressive as it is to tour a 100-foot schooner--we were even more impressed by the Summerwind crew of cadets and what they taught us about the value of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

From left to right, RADM Greene, Jesse Penney, me, Karl Sergojan, Kate O'Connor, Matt Kloecker,
Kevan Stoeckler, and Maritime Administrator David Matsuda

We heard from five different cadets about their recent tours on commercial merchant vessels, and each one of these young men and women from the class of 2013 mentioned how well-prepared they were for shipboard service by the academy.

United Nations’ Decade of Action puts global road safety center stage

As I've said time and time again, our top priority here at DOT is safety.  And our commitment to helping Americans move safely from one place to another includes good laws, tough enforcement, public education, and innovative infrastructure design.

Over the years, these interconnected efforts have helped America develop a national traffic safety culture that’s paying off: last year, the number of traffic fatalities in America fell to the lowest levels since 1949.

And just yesterday, for example, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law a tough ban on texting while driving.  That brings the total number of states banning texting behind the wheel to 32, plus Washington, D.C. and Guam.

But road safety isn’t just a local or national issue--it’s a global one.  On roads around the world, nearly 1.3 million people are killed each year and 50 million more are injured.  This means 3,500 people around the world are lost each day to traffic crashes.

That’s why DOT is so pleased to join dozens of governments and international organizations to launch the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.

Administrator Strickland at the Decade of Action kick-off at the U.S. Capitol.

Yesterday, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland attended an event in front of the U.S. Capitol announcing the creation of this important initiative.  The U.N. General Assembly has set an ambitious goal for the decade: to stabilize and then reduce the forecast level of road traffic fatalities around the world.  

We're talking about trying to save 5 million lives over the next 10 years.

A Strategic Investment: Getting Americans to their Jobs

By Ray LaHood and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan
Cross-posted courtesy of Huffington Post

Two years ago, President Obama asked us to form a Partnership for Sustainable Communities, an interagency effort led by the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency.  He challenged us to find ways to help build stronger, more economically resilient and competitive communities – and to provide affordable housing that offered residents access to economic opportunity without the need or expense of owning a car.

With my co-author, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan

Today, as gas prices hover around four dollars per gallon, that challenge is even more important.

And we have been working tirelessly to meet it.  In Honolulu, San Jose, Tucson, New York, Washington, and Salt Lake City, federal transit grants are starting to make it possible for workers to get to their jobs without feeling the pinch of high gas prices.

It's no accident that those cities rank near the top of today's report from the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program, "Missed Opportunity: Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America."

As Robert Puentes, co-author of the report, said, "Job number one is getting Americans to their jobs." And we couldn't agree more.

In the past 13 months, we have seen signs of economic recovery as we created 1.8 million private sector jobs.  But today, the average household spends 52 cents out of every dollar they earn on housing and transportation combined--and rising gas prices are not helping.

Minnesota's Central Corridor Community Outreach team helps bring transportation and residents together

That's why last year, for the first time ever, DOT and HUD joined together to award grants for localized planning and projects that integrate transportation services with affordable housing and access to economic opportunities.  Almost 700 applicants sought $35 million in DOT TIGER II planning grants and $40 million in HUD Sustainable Community Challenge Grants, and with our partners at EPA, we jointly evaluated the planning grant applications.

Today’s report also highlights how important these investments are to low-income families – more than half of whom use transit to get to work.  Part of this challenge needs to be addressed through better transportation – but also where housing and jobs are located.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors Charlie Sabatier, veteran, advocate, father, husband

On Sunday, I was deeply humbled to be at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to help honor Charles J. Sabatier, whose name was added to the Wall.  Charlie died in 2009 directly, if not immediately, from his combat injuries.

You can find Charlie's name inscribed on Panel 40E

On February 3, 1968, during the first Tet Offensive, Charlie was pinned down in heavy crossfire, when he heard the call of another soldier in need.  Running across the swampy battlefield to help, he felt a bullet enter his back. 

Charlie spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair, but everyone who knew him knows he made the absolute most of the time he had on this earth. It would have been perfectly understandable for Charlie to retreat into the peace of private life, but he had other plans.

After months of painful rehab, Charlie dedicated his life and career to working for the dignity of those who are physically challenged.  He cared deeply about his country, and he demonstrated that patriotism by helping America live up to its promise of equal rights.

Charlie's family 

National Youth Traffic Safety Month a reminder to teens: Safe driving doesn't take the summer off

As the school year winds down, young people across America are looking forward to the summer.  But as teens prepare for proms, graduations, vacations, and road trips, it's important to keep safety in mind.

The sad fact is, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America.  And new analysis from NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reveals that the deadliest days of the year for teens aged 15 to 19 are in the summer months of May, June, July, and August.  During these four months, nearly twice as many teens died on the roads each day when compared to the rest of the year.

These are sobering statistics.  And they serve as a critical reminder to young people: safe driving doesn't take the summer off.

That's why National Youth Traffic Safety Month is so important.  Each May, our friends at the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) hold events, contests, and promotions to raise awareness about the risks and dangers teens face on the road.  And it's an opportunity to highlight the efforts of youth and organizations nationwide that are helping to save lives and prevent teen traffic crashes.

Over 220 high school teams are currently participating in the NOYS Act Out Loud contest, which challenges teens to take on safe driving projects in their communities.  This year's campaign focuses on distracted driving, and teams are holding school assemblies, creating PSAs and music videos, and collecting X the TXT pledges to spread the word about the dangers of texting and cell phone use behind the wheel.  The winning team, which will be voted on by the public at www.actoutloud.org, will ultimately receive $10,000 for their local youth safety organization.

Secretary LaHood with the NOYS Teen Distracted Driving Prevention Leadership Team.

"There's no doubt that young people have the power to educate both their peers and adults about safe driving and safer roads," said NOYS Executive Director Sandy Spavone.

Parking grants promise greater truck driver safety and security

When we talk about safety as this department's number one priority, it's easy to think of planes, trains, trucks, and automobiles in motion.  And for the most part that's true.

But for America's commercial truck drivers, safety off the road is an important issue.  Finding a safe and secure place to park a big rig overnight, so a driver can get the proper rest, is not as easy as it should be.  While state-operated rest stops and welcome centers can ease truckers' security concerns, there simply aren't enough of those available.

That's why the Federal Highway Administration recently awarded $6.5 million to Michigan and Minnesota to ease truck parking shortages in those states.

Less gas, more jobs; Allison Transmission leading the way to a future America can win

High gas prices have been hitting Americans at all income levels for weeks now.  At the same time, the need for new jobs in our recovering economy remains a concern.  Last week, President Obama and I visited an Allison Transmission manufacturing plant in Indianapolis that is solving both problems.

For the last 100 years, Allison Transmission has been at the forefront of America’s mission to out-innovate and out-build the competition.  They're continuing that legacy today as a leader in building diesel-electric hybrid transmissions for transit buses that reduce our reliance on foreign oil.  They’re on the verge of adapting that pioneering technology for hybrid commercial trucks.

And they're doing it with American workers.  In the last month alone, Allison has added 50 new jobs, and they expect to add another 200 jobs within the next two years. As the President said:

“This is where the American economy is rebuilding; this is where we are regaining our footing.  We don't want the new breakthrough technologies and the new manufacturing taking place in China and India.  We want all those new jobs right here in Indiana, right here in the United States of America, with American workers, American know-how, American ingenuity."

Who says America isn't ready for high-speed rail?

This morning I announced $2 billion for high-speed rail projects across America, and I have been energized by the tremendous response.

Whether people live near the Northeast Corridor, in the Midwest, or elsewhere, everyone is excited about the prospect of getting on a train and getting to their destination quickly, safely, comfortably, and affordably.  They're excited about hassle-free rides that help them avoid slogging through highway traffic or airport security.  And they're excited about being able to use their travel time--whether to relax or get some work done. 

The targeted investments we announced today will help them do exactly that.

In the Northeast Corridor, for example, we're awarding $795 million to upgrade some of the most heavily-used sections of the corridor. The investments will increase speeds from 135 to 160 miles per hour on critical segments, improve on-time performance and add more seats for passengers.

Latest awards bring US closer to national high-speed passenger rail network

This is a big day for the Department of Transportation, for the Obama Administration, and for the American people.  We are bringing President Obama's vision of American high-speed rail one step closer to reality with $2.02 billion in targeted investments.

And I am thrilled.

Today we are advancing President Obama's historic high-speed rail blueprint through 22 carefully selected projects that will create jobs, boost manufacturing, and spur development while laying the foundation for our future economic competitiveness. We are providing two billion dollars to 15 states and Amtrak to help build out America's high-speed rail network, enabling people and goods to travel more quickly, safely and energy-efficiently than ever before.

 

When DOT announced the competition for these awards in March, we were inundated with 98 applications seeking more than $10 billion.  Americans heard the President's plan to connect 80 percent of the nation to high-speed rail in the next 25 years, and they responded with a loud and clear, "Yes!"

And it's no wonder.  High-speed rail offers significant economic and practical benefits for the states and regions that build these lines and the passengers who ride them.

First US interstate marks 200 years of vital service

America’s interstate highway system, the largest and most sophisticated in the world, is critical to our economy and our way of life.  Now, we know that President Eisenhower jump-started construction of the modern interstates we drive today, but the actual concept of a federally funded highway supporting commerce between states dates back to the administration of Thomas Jefferson.

And this Sunday, May 8, marks the bicentennial of the first construction on the National Road --America’s original interstate highway.  Authorized by Congress in 1806, and signed into law by President Jefferson, the National Road--now U.S. Highway 40--was our first federally funded road. 

The idea had been introduced earlier in the Jefferson Administration, but Congress had to think innovatively to fund the road. Instead of using tax revenue, the 1806 law applied 2 percent of the revenue from the sale of Ohio's public land to building the road.

Then, to ease concern that the government lacked the authority to build a road on land owned by the states, Jefferson had to secure consent from the states through which the road would pass.  Because of delays in securing that consent and the difficulties of surveying in the early 1800s, construction did not begin until May 8, 1811.

Family Driving Challenge in Orlando teaches valuable safety lesson

It’s no secret that distracted driving is an epidemic in this country.  Whether it's texting or talking on a cell phone, Americans are dangerously accustomed to having our eyes and attention on our devices instead of on the road.  And we know from our Faces of Distracted Driving video series that the tragic cost of this behavior is simply too high.

The Department of Transportation cannot fight this deadly practice alone. That’s why I am so thankful when individuals, organizations, and companies jump in and help raise awareness of this important safety issue.

Putting my thumbprint pledge on Allstate's "X the TXT" banner with Jordin Sparks

One of our terrific partners has been Allstate.  With their "X the TXT" campaign, they have really helped us get the message across to young drivers that no text or call is worth a life.  And today in Orlando, Allstate is hosting a Family Driving Challenge.  This is a great event for parents and teens to learn together about the risks of texting or talking on a cell phone behind the wheel.

At the Walt Disney World® Speedway near Orlando, National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland will join Allstate CEO Tom Wilson in a roundtable discussion about exercising individual responsibility by putting our phones away when driving.

 

Also at today's event is Kristin Murphy, from our latest Faces of Distracted Driving video.  There is perhaps no better teacher for today's participants.  And if you don't believe me, watch Kristin's video and consider how much was lost in her daughter Chelsey's death when Kristin quietly reflects, "Those dreams were gonna come true."

Today’s bus safety actions just the latest DOT steps to protect American travelers

This very morning, thousands of Americans woke up and prepared to board a commercial motor coach to take a trip.  And they did so assuming the bus was safe and the driver was skilled and well-rested.

At the Department of Transportation, it is our solemn obligation to not let those bus passengers down. As warm weather arrives and gas prices soar, President Obama wants to make sure that Americans have good, safe options for summer travel. 

That's why Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Anne Ferro and I added several new measures today to help ensure that passengers traveling America's roads by bus are as safe as possible.

Announcing today's actions with Bill Dofflemeyer, Commander, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, MD State Police

Motor coach travel is one of the safest forms of travel in the U.S.  In 2009, for example, more than 750 million passengers rode in America's buses, with only 50 fatalities.  That number is down 19 percent from 62 fatalities in 2004.  Unfortunately, recent tragic crashes in New York and New Jersey are sober reminders of the risks involved. 

We don't want unsafe carriers and drivers damaging the reputation of a very safe industry, and we don't want people getting hurt.  So today we're taking a big step forward for safety.

FAA must have long-term funding

Cross-posted from www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54295.html courtesy of Politico.
By Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt

The United States is facing a pivotal time in aviation history.

We are charting the transformation of our air traffic control system — from the ground-based radar system of the past century to the satellite-based system of tomorrow.

We want to make certain our aviation system remains the safest in the world.

But to accomplish our goals, the Federal Aviation Administration needs a multiyear reauthorization bill.

Reauthorization would allow us to help airports move forward with important safety improvements, which have been put on hold because of uncertainty about long-term funding.

For example, we could help airports finance special runway safety areas made of soft, crushable concrete that can keep passengers safe if an aircraft overshoots the runway. This prevented what could have been a serious accident in West Virginia last year. The material stopped the plane and all passengers exited safely.

It’s difficult to manage large-scale, long-term programs when there’s only enough money to pour 50 feet of concrete at a time. And it costs a lot more that way — meaning we get less bang for the buck.

The FAA has not had a steady source of funding for 3½ years, relying instead on 18 short-term extensions. Some kept the agency running only a few weeks. Debates over aspects of the FAA’s reauthorization bill have led to a political impasse. Now its authority to operate is set to expire at the end of May.

With a multiyear reauthorization, airports could make better plans to resurface runways and avoid crumbling pavement. They could better maintain proper signs and lighting, build safer taxiways and acquire equipment to prevent snow and ice buildup on runways.

Faces of Distracted Driving: Chelsey Murphy, 19 "Look at what distracted driving has taken from me"

As Kristin Murphy drove home from work on March 9, 2010, she was preparing to say goodbye to her daughter.  Nineteen-year-old Chelsey had called her earlier in the day to share the good news--she had finally picked up the keys to her very first apartment. And while it was a bittersweet moment, Kristin wasn't worried.  Chelsey was just moving a block away.

But as she neared her home in Naples, Florida, Kristin was greeted by sirens and flashing lights.  In the pit of her stomach, she knew.

"I actually made a phone call to her cell phone, thinking: God, I hope that’s not my child."



Soon, her worst fears were confirmed.  Chelsey, who was four months pregnant, was struck by a teen driver talking on his cell phone as she crossed an intersection between her mom's house and her new apartment.  The driver never stopped.

Chelsey remained in a coma for five days, but never woke up.  And in an instant, the dreams Kristin had for her daughter and her future grandchild were shattered.

Keeping America's kids safe from hyperthermia

When we think about cars and summertime, it’s usually about making sure the car doesn't break down while we're driving toward our family vacation. But warm-weather safety doesn’t stop with making sure the car works properly on the road.

It also means making sure we don't leave children alone in the car, ever.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research shows that the risk of a serious injury or death increases when children are left alone in vehicles.  Even on days that don't seem particularly hot--with the car windows opened a crack--heat can build up inside a vehicle and lead quickly to hyperthermia (or heat-stroke).

For children under fourteen, hyperthermia is the leading cause of vehicle deaths that don’t involve a crash. NHTSA has found at least 27 documented deaths per year.  Two children have already died this year, and it's only the first week of May.

Partnership for Sustainable Communities welcomes county officials to White House

By Ray LaHood, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson

From the moment President Obama took office, this administration has been committed to strengthening local communities and helping them realize their own visions for economic opportunity, prosperity, and competitiveness.

In the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression, we worked together to help state, county, and municipal officials improve delivery of critical services to citizens.

And today, as families struggle with soaring gas prices, the President is taking a number of significant steps: ensuring that affordable housing is closer to public transportation, jobs and services; that vehicles are more fuel-efficient; and that people have the option to reach their destination without a car.

With the economy recovering--generating private sector job growth for 15 straight months--county administrators from across the nation were at the White House yesterday to discuss how the Federal government can partner with our nation’s counties to continue making our communities and metro regions more economically competitive.

Of course, this conversation has been going on for nearly two and a half years.  At the same time the Recovery Act was helping those communities harmed most by the economic crisis, President Obama asked the three of us to work together to ensure we get the biggest bang for the buck from federal investments in affordable, green housing, environmental safeguards, and transportation for families across the country--all critical elements of a stronger foundation for our economy. 

The President recognized that, with the average household spending 52 cents out of every dollar on housing and transportation combined, and with the cost of moving products on our roads five times what it was 25 years ago, these kinds of innovations are absolutely critical to winning the future.

Since we started the Partnership for Sustainable Communities, we’ve helped integrate housing with transportation, neighboring retail, and business development; cleaned contaminated properties on main streets and near transit, returning them to productive use; and improved bus service in transit-dependent neighborhoods.

Our groundbreaking partnership hasn't just improved housing, transportation and the environment.  It’s also created jobs and generated new economic activity, helping restore vitality in communities across America.

Kids' posters remind commercial drivers to "Be ready. Be buckled."

As I’ve said many times before, safety is DOT’s number one priority.  And one of the most important safety measures folks can take while traveling on our nation’s roadways is to wear their seatbelt every time they’re in a car, bus, or truck.

To reinforce that important safety message, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator (FMCSA) Anne Ferro went to Capitol Hill yesterday.  But instead of speaking to Members of Congress, she spoke to a group whose powers of persuasion are arguably as effective: the student winners of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Partnership’s annual “Be Ready, Be Buckled” poster contest.

From left to right: Megan Eno (Salem, Oregon), FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro, Michelle Huang (Edison, New Jersey) , NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, Grand Prize Winner Darby Kim (Centreville, VA) , Grand Prize Winner Lucia Choi  (Edison, New Jersey), and Keya Raval (Edison, New Jersey).

The annual contest gives kids an opportunity to remind friends and family members in the commercial driving industry about an easy way to stay safe while driving.  As Administrator Ferro said, "If a child can’t convince you to do something for your own safety and health, it’s hard to imagine what else can."

Whether it's the posters or vigorous enforcement of state laws, more commercial drivers than ever are buckling up.  FMCSA’s 2010 survey of commercial drivers found that 78 percent are now wearing their seat belts. That's up 14 percent since 2007.
 

Darby Kim of Centreville, Virginia, whose father works in the trucking industry,
won in the younger category.

While this is great news, we want those numbers to go even higher.  After all, 78 percent of CMV drivers buckling up means that 22 percent are NOT taking the easiest step to stay safe.

Lucia Choi of Edison, New Jersey, whose uncles are
truck and bus drivers, won in the older group.

All of the applicants should be congratulated on a job well done.  Their hard work will go a long way toward ensuring that their family and friends remain safe on the job.

FAA grant helps Portland Jetport add innovative geothermal heating, cooling system

America's families aren't the only ones feeling the pinch of high fuel prices.  Businesses and large facilities like airports with rising heating bills are seeing their bottom lines squeezed.  Now, President Obama knows there's no silver bullet to bring gas prices down overnight, but we can help give families and enterprises options to reduce their dependence on imported foreign oil.

That's why, when the Portland International Jetport began constructing its $75 million terminal expansion, the Federal Aviation Administration was ready with support from its Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) program.

With a $2.5 million VALE grant, the Jetport installed an innovative, geothermal heating and cooling system that will save the 137,000 square foot terminal more than 50,000 gallons of oil every year.  That translates to savings of more than $200,000 per year and more than $8 million over the new system’s life.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, FAA Associate Administrator Christa Fornarotto, and Jetport manager Paul Bradbury

The system will deliver comfortable temperatures to passengers and employees from 120 wells drilled 500 feet below the new employee parking lot.  It works in winter and summer because, at that depth beneath the earth's surface, the water temperature is constant throughout the year.

Portland is the nation's first large terminal with such a system, and it's attracting a lot of attention from airport operators across the nation.  "They are really blazing the trail," said Christa Fornarotto, the FAA's Associate Administrator for airports.

On Amtrak's 40th, celebrating a historic past and anticipating a bright future

On May 1, 1971, the National Passenger Rail Corporation--known today as Amtrak--took over most of America's passenger rail service.  Forty years later, Amtrak is still going strong.  In 2010, Amtrak carried a record number of passengers, serving nearly 29 million passengers on more than 300 daily trains in 46 states and the District of Columbia.  This year, they're on track to break that record.

Today, Amtrak kicked off its 40th anniversary with a celebration at Washington, DC's Union Station.  DOT's Deputy Secretary John Porcari was on hand for the festivities.

Deputy Secretary Porcari joins Amtrak workers at DC's Union Station

With more than 500 rail stations, Amtrak has made great strides in convenience and comfort in the last 40 years.  Many travelers indicate that there is no substitute for Amtrak when it comes to being able to spread out and get work done while traveling.  Other say they like the views train travel offers, particularly on Amtrak's western routes.

Amtrak service has also helped boost local and regional economies, cut into congestion and emissions on our nation's roadways, and reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil.  Passengers also appreciate the hassle-free travel and an alternative to paying four dollars a gallon for gas.

NHTSA, AAA join together for National Bike Safety Month with new "Roll Model" campaign

Today, I am happy to let everyone know that May is National Bike Safety Month.  As summer approaches, millions of Americans will climb onto their bikes to enjoy one of the most enjoyable ways to get some exercise, have some fun, and get where they need to go.

Whatever your reason for saddling up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and AAA want you to ride safely.  To help spread this important message, they've joined together to launch "Roll Model," a campaign reminding parents and caregivers to set positive examples that encourage children and teens to ride safely, this month and every month.

And what's the first lesson in bike safety?  Always wear a properly-fitting bicycle helmet.  As AAA Vice President Kathleen Marvaso said, “Children look to parents for guidance, so we want kids to see mom and dad wearing a helmet, and to follow their lead.”

I couldn't agree more.  Take it from a father of four and grandfather of nine, kids are always watching. Because parents and caregivers are role models for children, we need to teach by example.  That means wearing helmets and observing all the rules of the road every time you ride.