A new bill in Congress would create a new $11 million program amidst the $1 billion Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan program. But can it deliver more safety improvements to under-served populations?
“The New Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Financing Act of 2014 creates a low-interest, long-term loan program that communities around the USA can tap for small-scale biking and walking projects; It requires that 25% of the funds be spent in low-income communities,” reports Larry Copeland.
Copeland focuses his reportage on how low-income and less privileged populations have been left behind in the recent trend of multi-modal safety investments around the country. “A study last year by the League of American Bicyclists and the Sierra Club found that, while bike commuting rose 61% from 2000-2012, many under-served areas lack a safe infrastructure for biking. Consequently, the study found that fatality rates for African American and Hispanic bicyclists were 30% and 23% higher, respectively, than those of white bikers.”
"[HR 3978] will add another tool to help communities that want to do something to encourage biking, especially in communities that need it most," says Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, in the article. "These are communities where transportation costs are typically 30% or more of household budgets and good transportation options are limited."
FULL STORY: Poor areas in the slow lane when it comes to biking
Pedestrian Safety Experts: Decriminalize Jaywalking
Angie Schmitt and Charles T. Brown make nine arguments against the criminalization of jaywalking.
Nation's Top Safety Board Recommends Protected Bike Lanes
The NTSB chair issued a stark warning on Nov. 5: "If we do not improve roadway infrastructure for bicyclists, bicyclists will die who otherwise would not," stated Robert Sumwalt in introducing their first report in 47 years devoted to bike safety.
Uber Vehicles are Not Taxis, Even When They Want To Be
A June 16 vote by the San Francisco MTA to improve safety will allow taxis, along with bicycles and Muni buses, but not ride-hailing services to make turns onto the downtown's main thoroughfare, Market Street, has upset San Francisco-based Uber.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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