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Secretary LaHood meets with bicycling advocates; blogs about it
Today the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, wrote on his blog: “I don’t think anyone who reads this blog doubts my enthusiasm for increasing Americans’ transportation options.”
Absolutely true.
Secretary LaHood meets with America Bikes; photos by Todd Solomon
Today he has once again demonstrated his commitment and enthusiasm for bicycling and walking. In his post, the Secretary described the meeting he held this week with AmericaBikes, the coalition of national bicycling advocacy group, including the League of American Bicyclists. He also cited two recent studies that we highlighted on our blog: 1. bike lanes create more jobs per $1 million than other road construction, and 2: Americans support active transportation infrastructure. It is great to have friends like this in Washington.
However, the Secretary also points out the limits of what he can do — “there’s a budget process, and there’s a surface transportation reauthorization process–and DOT does not control either.” His message is a good one for advocates all over the country: “participate in the process.” That is exactly what we are trying to do at the national level and what we are helping state and local advocates do. There is a lot of enthusiasm in the capitol to improve bicycling and walking in this country — and we’re committed to helping it spread. We hope that you will join us for the National Bike Summit, to do just that.
The caption on the Secretary's blog reads: "Listening to Andy Clarke"
Darren Flusche
League Policy Director
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
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January 13th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
It’s that level of influence that keeps me sending in my membership check every year. Keep up the good work!
January 13th, 2011 at 8:19 pm
Is this normal? Do transportation secretaries always give this much access to bicyclists?
January 13th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Hi Ellen,
I think it’s safe to say that bicycling is something that Secretary LaHood personally believes in and takes very seriously. I think he also sees that we are in a moment where more people are recognizing the many different ways that bicycling for transportation is good for our communities.
So, no. This level of commitment is exceptional.
January 13th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
The 2012 election will be critical. Get involved, and get to the polls.
January 14th, 2011 at 8:47 am
LaHood is the first Transp. Sec in recent memory who could SPELL “bike” let alone say or do something favorable towards bikes…
January 14th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
[...] was a big week for bike advocates: They had a pow-wow with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, launched a new coalition, and refined their strategy for the 112th Congress. LaHood listens to [...]
January 15th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
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January 19th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Who else will be attending the summit?