Proposed federal bike bill and tax policy change

The League of American Bicyclists provides e-alerts on federal issues related to cycling. One current issue concerns a proposed change that would provide equity in tax provisions for bike commuters, similar to what other commuters already receive. Another is about the "National Bike Bill," which has passed the House and needs Senate sponsors.

Go to www.bikeleague.org to sign up for these alerts and to read more on these issues.

Bicycle Commuter Benefit on House Tax Extender Bill

On May 21, 2008, prior to the Memorial Day recess, the House passed H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act of 2008. Included in the legislation is a $20 per month transportation fringe benefit for bicycle commuters to cover costs of commuting by bike.

We are expecting the Senate finance committee to take up the measure the week of June 2nd, and would like to have the Senators who previously co-sponsored S. 858 (Bicycle Commuters Benefit Act 2007), sign onto a joint letter, being distributed by Senator Wyden, to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Finance Committee asking them to adopt the House provision.

National Bike Bill Passes House
(06.04.08) H.CON.RES. 305, dubbed the National Bike Bill sponsored by Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), passed the House of Representatives on May 21. The resolution documents the many ways in which bicycling benefits individuals, communities, and the nation, and was a key element of the National Bike Summit agenda in March. We are looking for Senate supporters for the initiative, and have also been working with several Mayors to introduce a similar resolution at the annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors later this month.