In 1991, Congress initiated a new federal transportation policy with passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). This landmark bill was the first federal transportation law that explicitly acknowledges bicycling as a viable mode of transportation. The most notable specific example of what this legilation has done for cyclists is the wide paved shoulder that most state roads now offer. While cylists certainly have had the right to use the main roadway, it has been an enormous boon not to have to endure the anxiety of exercising that right on roads such as Routes 89, 13, or 79 for example. ISTEA funding has also made possible the many shared-use trails that are invaluable especially for young cyclists. Currently the ISTEA legislation is expiring, and the debate is being picked up anew to decide how to allocate the country's transportation resources. Neeeldless to say, the representatives of motorized transport are having their say in influencing the decision makers. But many cycling-oriented initiatives are also being undertaken to make sure that our vision for the future at least is something to be considered in forming new policies. I've received various e-mailings from the League of American Bicyclists, the Ithaca Bicycle Advocacy Group, and others explaining what the situation is and suggesting what concerned individuals can do. If you want some of that information, let me know and I will provide the contacts. Andrejs |
