Federal Policy & Funding

Lobbying

Bikes Belong is the U.S. bicycle industry's voice in Washington, D.C.

To increase federal support for bicycling, we meet regularly with members of Congress and the administration. We tout the significant societal benefits of bicycling and promote legislation that supports it. In addition, we retain a lobbying firm—Tongour Simpson Holsclaw and Cooney—to help craft messages and build stronger relationships with key U.S. senators and representatives.

Our Washington, D.C., clout grows each year. Bikes Belong’s coordinated lobbying efforts have helped increase annual federal spending on bicycle facilities from a mere $2 million to $1 billion. In the last federal transportation law (SAFETEA-LU), we invested $1 million in lobbying and gained $4.5 billion for bicycling and walking. Fiscal year 2009 bike project funding reached a new high, with $1.4 billion directed towards bicycling, twice as much as 2008. Most of this investment was secured through our lobbying efforts on the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

We’re making sure leaders on Capitol Hill recognize the bike industry as an important employer and see bike funding as a solid investment with health, community, congestion reduction, and air quality benefits.

Lobbying Goals

Federal Transportation Bill – The federal transportation law, which is renewed every five or six years, is the primary source of funding for U.S. bicycle facilities and programs. The next reauthorization is scheduled was scheduled for 2009. While the bill expired in September, 2009, it remains in force at current spending levels until the March 2011, thanks to an extension approved by Congress. As Congress works toward a new law, now is the time to make our case bicycling. We have ramped up our lobbying in order to maximize funding for bicycling in this bill. In addition to our ongoing efforts—including support for the National Bike Summit and work with our lobbying firm—we’ve pledged more funding to America Bikes, the coalition of eight national groups working together to influence federal bike policies.

Climate Change Bill – One of the new Congress’s top priorities is a Climate Change Bill that would require companies that produce excessive pollution to pay the federal government. In turn, the government would invest this money in pollution-reducing projects, such as bicycle facilities. As this legislation takes shape, Bikes Belong will work to direct a portion of any pollution payments to projects that benefit bicycling—an emission-free transportation solution.

Congressional Bike Caucus – We are working to make the House and Senate bike support group larger, more active, and influential.

Federal Complete Streets Policy – Many states and cities have recently adopted complete streets policies that require new road construction projects and major repairs to include sidewalks for pedestrians, and lanes or paths for bicycles. Bikes Belong supports the broad-based National Complete Streets Coalition, which is working to make this policy federal law.