Congressman John Mica (R-FL) announced the introduction of the American Energy
and Infrastructure Jobs Act. The proposed bill eliminates dedicated funding for
bicycling and walking, and it goes much further and systematically removes
bicycling from the Federal transportation program. The bill attacks a wide
range of bike/ped programs:
Ends all dedicated funding for Transportation Enhancements
Eliminates eligibility for rail trails and rail corridor preservation
Eliminates eligibility for historic projects, including canal corridors and
railroad facilities
Cuts out the Safe Routes to School programs and staff
Allows states to build bridges without accommodating pedestrians and bicycles
Stops funding for bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in state DOTs

Contact your Representative:
1. Please see if your member of Congress is on the House Transportation &
Infrastructure Committee.
2. If your Representative IS on the Committee, please call or email their office
ASAP and ask them to vote in favor of an amendment to restore funding for these
critical programs.
3. If your Representative ISN'T on the Committee, their support is still vital!
Please remind them of local projects that have benefited their District. Ask
them to encourage T & I Committee members to restore funding for these programs.
Also, they will have a vote when the bill goes before the full House.
4. Contact your Representative by visiting this website:
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
5. Spread the word through your networks!

TALKING POINTS

There is strength in numbers and presenting a unified voice for trails, to tell
their story, to present their endless benefits, and to make the case for funding
them is IMPORTANT:
Funding spent on trails, bike/ped facilities, parks, and outdoor recreation is a
sound investment in the country's economy.
Bicycling and walking make up 12 percent of all trips, but only 1.5 percent of
federal funding.
One-quarter of children's traffic deaths happen when they are walking or
bicycling and are struck by cars. Safe Routes to School funds help ensure
funding for critical sidewalks, crosswalks, and safety infrastructure to protect
children and prevent unnecessary deaths.
The more bicycles on the road; the fewer cars needed -- resulting in less
congestion, better air quality, and reduced road repair work needed.
The health of our children, as well as our cities, will depend on expanding
transportation choices and preserving trails, open space, parks, and places for
recreation.Call your congressperson NOW!