Congress Approves Bicycle Commuter Act

by Larry Lagarde

Here's some great news for any potential US bicycle commuter: Congress has finally passed the Bicycle Commuter Act!

Championed by Congressman Blumenauer, the League of American Bicyclists and regular folks like you and I, this is the act that makes tax incentives available to those that commute by bicycle.

The act took 7 years to get pass. Frankly, President Bush still has to sign it but don't worry - he will. And do you know why?

Is it because Bush likes riding mountain bikes on his Texas ranch?
No (he does though).

Is it because Bush and his trusty DOT secretary (Mary Peters) view bikes as a viable transportation alternative?
Yeah right - NO.

The reason Bush will sign the act is because it became one of the provisions of the $700 billion financial markets bailout that Bush has said must take place. Even with sweeteners like the Bicycle Commuter Act included, the bailout just squeeked past Congress. With the whole world screaming for Washington to avert an international economic meltdown, there's no way Bush won't sign.