As Congress ramps up efforts to pass a national transportation bill, some senators and representatives are pushing to eliminate the dedicated federal programs without which most of our nation's trail, walking and bicycling infrastructure would not exist. These programs currently receive less than two cents of every transportation dollar, yet have tremendous impacts on their communities.
Make no mistake: If we lose this battle, communities all around the country will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to build the trail systems they need. Since Senator Crapo from your state of Idaho is on the Environment and Public Works Committee, you have an important voice in this debate. If Sen. Crapo stands with us, it could mean the difference between a future that includes trails, walking and bicycling... and one in which Americans are denied the innumerable economic, mobility and health benefits of active transportation.
But, he needs to hear from you.
Please sign your name to the constituent letter* below by Tuesday, June 14:
Dear Sen. Crapo,Sign the letter now!
I urge you to stand up for dedicated funding for trails, bicycling and walking, and to ask Senator Inhofe not to eliminate the Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails programs.
These three programs have brought essential funding to our state’s towns and cities. The projects they support provide jobs and economic development; improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers; give people the option to walk or bike for short trips, reducing congestion; and provide opportunities for physical activity. We need alternatives to paying the high price of gas to get to work, school and other destinations.
Please let Senator Inhofe, ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, know that you and your constituents need the small amount of funding dedicated to Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and the Recreational Trails programs.
Thank you,
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This is one of the biggest fights we have had in years. Your signature is absolutely critical to our success.
Thank you very much,
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
*This letter is being circulated by several groups as part of a large-scale effort to communicate the breadth of support for trails, walking and bicycling to Sen. Crapo.
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