New national survey reveals strong support for walking/biking investments

As Congress prepares to vote on a federal transportation bill, a new national survey by America Bikes finds that 83 percent of Americans support maintaining or increasing federal funding for walking and bicycling facilities.

Just over one thousand adults were surveyed, and the finding is that the tremendous support for walking and bicycling investments crosses party lines, geographic lines, and age and income strata.

Sen. Durbin (D-IL), and Reps. Blumenauer (D-OR) and Petri (R-WI) attended a press event to announce the results. When Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, offered a commendation to Petri for standing up for walking and bicycling in the House, Petri had the line of the day: It doesn't take courage to stand up for something 83 percent of Americans support; it's the other guys who have the courage.

While the very bad House transportation bill is dead, some in Congress still want to slash dedicated federal funding for walking, biking and transit.

The Illinois congressional delegation will need to hear from us before the vote, which could happen later this month. Look for an alert from Active Trans with information about contacting your members of Congress before the vote.

The photo, which features Durbin at the podium, is courtesy of Chris Eichler and America Bikes.