Senator Smith: Sign on to Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act

Dear Senator Smith:

I urge you to co-sponsor Senator Wyden's Bicycle Commuters Benefits Act, S. 2635. As an Oregonian who has been commuting by bike for 6 years (usually 3-4 days per week), I have learned the benefits of bicycle commuting: I have lost weight, I have gotten in better shape, I get sick less often (yes, even riding inOregon rain!), I am more refreshed and productive at work, I use much less fuel and I contribute less to both traffic congestion and to the environmental downsides to driving.

For most people, there are still substantial barriersto bicycle commuting, but stronger incentives would encourage many to try it out. Although there is a cost associated with this program, we must remember that driving is enormously subsidized in our society, far beyond the contributions of fuel taxes. A tiny bike subsidy is only fair! Besides, every person who gets out of their car and on a bike is reducing congestion and wear and tear on the roads, not to mention using less fuel. Thus, bike commuting incentives actually pay for themselves in reduced operating costs for our transportation system as a whole. Again, I urge youto sign on to S. 2635.