Political Quotes

“One of the major challenges for a comprehensive transportation bill is to have it facilitate the creation of livable communities, and we have, across this country, more and more communities that, as part of creating that space for good transportation, want to include and have included bike paths. Biking transportation has become a real attraction for younger people who are moving into urban areas. It is something that has taken cars off the road and has put people on bikes. People are getting exercise and are finding beautiful ways to get around their communities. It is something that adds to the overall quality of life in communities across the country. It used to be that biking was seen as something that just individuals would do. It is now seen, as a result of transportation policy, as integral to a livable community approach. In the current legislation before us, the Federal match would be reduced from 90 and 95 percent to 80 percent. This amendment would propose to keep the status quo, keeping that Federal contribution at 90 to 95 percent. It makes a huge difference in our communities to get that extra boost as it makes a difference as to whether or not they can proceed on some bikeway improvements. So let's keep what we have. We have a good thing going. With this amendment, the ability to keep it going will be even stronger. In Vermont, bike commuting has increased by over 70 percent from 2005 to 2014.…”