Including a lot of funding for bicycle projects in the stimulus package would have both short-term and long-term benefits for the nation's finances and our health.
After the jump, a quick list of benefits -- in the text of a letter you can copy-and-paste and send to your Congresscritters. Also: links to easily find your Congressional reps' contact info.
Below is the text of a letter I am faxing to Pres. Obama (I love typing that), Senators Chambliss and Isakson, and Congressman Scott. Feel free to copy or modify it as you wish. You can send email to your Congressional rep by plugging in your zip code here:
https://writerep.house.gov/...
Or you can quickly link to your Senators' and Representative's contact info by plugging in your zip code here:
http://www.visi.com/...
What I sent:
February 3, 2009
President Barack H. Obama
The White House
Fax no. 202-456-2461
BY FACSIMILE ONLY – TOTAL TRANSMISSION OF 1 PAGE
Hon. Johnny Isakson
United States Senator
Fax no. (202) 228-0724
BY FACSIMILE ONLY – TOTAL TRANSMISSION OF 1 PAGE
Hon. Saxby Chambliss
United States Senator
Fax no. 202-224-0103
BY FACSIMILE ONLY – TOTAL TRANSMISSION OF 1 PAGE
Hon. David Scott
United States Representative
Fax no. (202) 225 - 4628
BY FACSIMILE ONLY – TOTAL TRANSMISSION OF 1 PAGE
Re: Bicycle projects in the stimulus package
Dear Congressman Scott:
I respectfully request you include in the stimulus package greatly expanded funding for bicycling projects. Such projects have the following advantages:
- Quick onshore jobs for low-skill workers.
- Expands transportation options for those no longer able to afford cars.
- Does not require setting up public transport system in places that now lack one.
- More biking = less CO2 and other air pollutants.
- More biking = reduced heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer's, cancer = (a) higher productivity, (b) lower health care costs. Higher productivity is the ONLY way the USA might be able, over the next few decades, to service our debt while financing the retirement of the Baby Boomers. And Medicare is the biggest threat to our national solvency.
Thank you for considering my thoughts.
Sincerely,