Hey this is a quick update [the “house” vote happens today]- will this be supported by our congressmen? Bishop, Rob, Utah, 1st District - give him a call….Matheson, Jim (d-UT is on the Bike Caucus-wow!)
Feb. 26, 2008—–Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1001 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5351 with 1 hour and 30 minutes of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI…yada yada yada

What is H.R. 1498[From Representative Earl Blumenauer’s web site]?
Currently, employers may offer a Transportation Fringe Benefit to their employees for certain costs incurred while commuting to work. Employees who take advantage of this benefit may receive a tax-exempt benefit up to $215/month, for drivers participating in qualified parking plans, or $110/month for those who use transit or vanpooling. There is also the option of taking cash compensation. The Bike Commuter Act aims to balance the incentive structure by extending the Transportation Fringe Benefit to include bicycling.

What the Bike Commuter Bill Does:

• Amends Section 132(f) of the IRS code of 1986 to include “bicycles” in the definition of transportation covered by the qualified transportation fringe benefit.

• Provides a strong incentive for employees to bike to work, which is a cleaner, healthier, more efficient mode of transportation.

Why is this Important?

• Financial incentives are currently offered for other modes of transportation. It is time to level the playing field to include bicyclists in the Transportation Fringe Benefit.

• With over 50% of the working population commuting 5 miles or less to work, bicycles offer the strongest potential for reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips.

• According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, bicycles are second only to cars as a preferred form of transportation. Excluding this highly preferred mode of transportation is counterintuitive.

• Studies have shown that when facilities such as bike parking or showers are readily accessible, individuals are 40% more likely to bike to work.

Communities across the nation are seeking to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance neighborhood safety. The federal government can assist in those efforts by promoting bicycle use through a small change to the tax code’s existing Transportation Fringe Benefit
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HW Ikerd

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