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Just in Time for the Summit, Blumenauer Introduces H.R. 4722 ACT Act of 2010
Just in time for the National Bike Summit, Congressman Blumenauer introduced legislation to make active transportation safer, easier, and more accessible. H.R. 4722 Active Community Transportation (ACT) Act of 2010 will help communities access funding for transportation options that improve community vitality, reduce global warming pollution, boost public health and create jobs in the process. “The ACT transportation grants will make it easier for people to get out of their vehicles and onto sidewalks or bikes, boosting heart rates and community vitality,” said Blumenauer.
H.R. 4722 will be included as one of the ASKS for the National Bike Summit next week. See the Bike Summit program with issue papers and ASKS here.
“Bicycling and walking have real potential to replace short car trips in communities across the country – and increasing active transportation has got to be good for individuals, communities and the nation,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League. “This visionary bill will help us realize that potential, economically, efficiently and effectively, and we thank Congressman Blumenauer and his colleagues for their leadership in bringing it forward.”
It is not too late to register for the Summit and be part of the Congressional Lobby Day. Register here for the Summit so you can personally ask your representatives to support the ACT act and a Bicycle Friendly America. 8144611261
Meghan Cahill
League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
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March 3rd, 2010 at 5:48 pm
I’m very excited to see this ACT bill. Can someone please define community for me. Is “Community” a stand alone city/town, or can a community be a region as in one of the Metropolition Planning Organizations (MPO) that the FEDs require. With the exception of our very largest cities, the functionally of Act plans are going to work much better with regional involvement. So what if my town is bike friendly, if I want to ride to work but must ride through one or two towns that are in the dark ages, ACT will only be about 50% effective for many of us. If the USDOT is to continue with the MPO, the regions should be encouraged to be applicants, and the wording of the bill should reflect this, with expectations stated that funding is more likely with MPO involvement in the plans submitted by “communities”.
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Hi Beth,
Yes. MPOs and other regional organization could receive ACT grants. Here is the relevant bill language:
RECIPIENTS.—A recipient of a grant representing a community under the program shall be a local or regional governmental organization, multi-county special district, or Indian tribe that the Secretary determines is suitably equipped and organized to carry out the objectives and requirements of this section. Such organizations include metropolitan planning organizations and other regional planning organizations.
March 16th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
[...] to join the Congressional Bike Caucus (if they aren’t already), to educate them on the new Active Community Transportation Act, expansion of Safe Routes to School funds to High Schools, and the Complete Streets Act of 2009, and [...]
September 3rd, 2010 at 6:54 pm
nice post. i love to read it. i’ll be back to read more about it.
May 7th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
I just noticeed you haven’t written any posts in a while?
August 30th, 2011 at 1:34 am
My city is already implementing such routes to reduce inner congestion. I just wish the routes were designated for bikes only here instead we have Bikes, skateboards, and strollers.