Congress to consider
"Safe routes to school" bill

The following is a press release issued by America Bikes announcing the introduction of a bill in June 2003 in Congress to make walking and biking to school easy and enjoyable.

Supporters of bicycling, walking and healthy communities had reason to cheer today as Congressman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) announced the introduction of a bill to fund Safe Routes to School, and create more bikeable and walkable communities. This bill encourages children and adults to reacquaint themselves with the joys of human-powered transportation, said Oberstar.

At the heart of the Pedestrian and Cyclist Equity Act of 2003 (PACE) is a national Safe Routes to School program which would provide $250 million a year to fix unsafe conditions on roads near schools and encourage children to walk and bike to school.

Representative Oberstar announced the new bill surrounded by children on bicycles and proponents of Safe Routes to School from around the country. He was joined by co-sponsors Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Jim Moran (D-TX), and Rep. Nick Lampson (D-TX). Fourteen members have co-signed so far, including Republican David Hobson of Ohio.

Click here to read the rest of the news release

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