Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer introduced the Active Community Transportation Act, H.R. 4722, on March 3rd. The bill is also known as the ACT Act is a revolutionary piece of proposed legislation. The bill would create a competitive grant program where communities compete for $2 BILLION to help make their communities better for walking and biking by building out their pedestrian and bicycle networks.

Over 700 bicycle advocates will be in Washington, D.C. next week for the National Bike Summit, where the ACT Act is sure to be a major topic of discussion. The attendees of the National Bike Summit are going to advocate to their respective Senators and Representatives to support the ACT Act.

The Alliance for Walking & Biking has made it possible for people outside of Washington to help lobby the bill. The Virtual Lobby Day (on March 11th) is everyone’s opportunity to take action on the ACT act and demonstrate the need for such legislation.

More details from the Alliance for Walking & Biking below:

TAKE ACTION
Given the timing of the bill’s release, we have a unique opportunity to conduct a Virtual Lobby Day and present a strong and unified voice on Capitol Hill, Thursday, March 11th. In conjunction with the National Bike Summit we ask that you call your representative next Thursday at the same time that over 700 Summit participants will have in-person meetings in congressional offices.

TALKING POINTS
Please call your representatives on March 11th to ask them to co-sponsor H.R.4722: “The Active Community Transportation Act.”  For locals that would be Congressman Peter DeFazio at 202.225.6416 in D.C. or 541.465.6732 in Eugene

Here are some possible talking points for you:

• Bicycling and walking are part of the solution. Half of all trips in the United States are three miles or less, yet the majority of these short trips are made by car. Shifting more of these short trips to biking and walking would not only reduce congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and our dependence on oil, but will also improve physical activity, safety, and livability.
• Investing in bicycling and walking infrastructure works.Commuting by bicycle has increased 43 percent since 2000 – and by 69 percent in designated Bicycle Friendly Communities that have invested in infrastructure improvements.
• Please co-sponsor the Active Community Transportation Act (H.R.4722).

We’ll send out a “Call to Action” next week as a reminder to place your call.

**Press Release**

The Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARs) Cycling Club has awarded mini-grants to three local groups committed to meeting community needs through bicycling. The funds, generated largely through GEARs’ popular Blackberry bRamble bicycle ride held each August, will be distributed to the following groups:

Project Homeless Connect–$750 to buy bicycle tubes, tires, lubricants and other bicycle supplies for bicycle maintenance at the fourth annual Project Homeless Connect event on March 18, 2010. Project Homeless Connect provides “one-stop shopping” for critical services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and one important service offered is bicycle maintenance.

BRING Recycling–$200 for route maps and publicity for a new bicycle component of the annual BRING It Home Tour. The Tour features homes and gardens that demonstrate use of solar, sustainable or recycled materials.

Rick Bronson–$50 for locks to accompany abandoned bikes that Rick receives from the City of Eugene, repairs, and donates to non-profit organizations for use by people who need them for basic transportation.

GEARs has donated funds to the community for years, but this is the first time it has solicited proposals for grants. “We’re excited to be able to partner with other groups who share our belief that bicycling can play an important role in creating a better community”, explains GEARs President Sue Wolling.

GEARs was founded in 1991 with the goal of promoting and encouraging bicycling for transportation and recreation. More information is available at their Web site at www.eugenegears.org.

This week the new bike shop “Arriving By Bike” is holding it’s grand opening celebration. Last night they held a grand opening celebration with pizza, libations and friendly chatter, turn out sounded pretty good.

Today was the Xtracycle Rally and few intrepid riders braved the cold ride from the shop over to Hideaway Bakery. There were about 9 Xtracycles on the ride plus a CETMA cargobike, and a couple ‘standard’ bikes. Arriving By Bike treated the riders to some well earned hot coffee (or hot chocolate) and pastries before turning back around and heading back to the shop.
Grey Matter Jugglers greeted the group on the return and showed off their humorous juggling and entertaining skills for the kids (and adults). There was also a drawing for a “Kick Back” Xtracycle kickstand that went to Nancy, a mom who will certainly get a lot of use out of it as she totes her kids to school and back (and more) on her Xtracycle.
Tomorrow there will be a coffee social ride meeting at the shop at 10 a.m.- they’re buying.

I like these kind of events, hosted by bike shops. It allows the shop to show off it’s wears and is a little bit of advertising for them but it also gives the bike community a fun gathering that doesn’t have to be organized by a club or advocacy organization. Collin’s had a big shindig back in January, Revolution has hosted a couple events including a Pub Crawl and a Bike Brew ha! ha! (is there a theme there?), and I’m sure other local shops have put together gathering as well (right?).
I hope the trend continues to grow as we continue to build Eugene’s bike culture.

Here are a couple shots from today’s ride: