The Senate version of H817 will eliminate state funding for bike and ped projects not under construction by June 30, 2013. We have a small window of time while the bill is reconciled with the House bill to let our representatives know that this issue is important to our State.

1) Please take a moment to send a personalized email to you representatives (Click here to find your representative.). Take a moment to let them know why safe biking and walking alternatives are important to you, your children, your business, your property values.

2) Call Speaker Tillis’ office at 919-733-3451, and ask him to keep bike/ped funding in the transportation bill. Let him know who you are–business person, private developer, job creator, young professional, etc.

Please make your call or email personal but here are some points that may resonate:

• Greenways and trails are the number one amenity that people look for when choosing a new neighborhood.
• Greenways and trails are the number one amenity requested in Parks and Recreation surveys throughout North Carolina.
• Developers are including trails within their neighborhoods and locating near trail networks to increase their property values.
• Property values are higher the closer your home is to a trail or park.
• A robust trail network can help kids get to school without riding the bus or being driven by parents.
• Childhood obesity and type two diabetes in children has skyrocketed. Walking or riding to school can help children get the exercise they need. In 1969, 50 percent walked to school; by 2004 the figure was down to 14 percent.
• Access to transportation alternatives both transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities have been proven to lower body weight. One estimate of the country’s annual medical bill for physical inactivity: $117 billion!

Greenways, trails, and sidewalks aren’t a luxury–they are a key investment in North Carolina’s future. The economic, health, and environmental benefits of biking and walking aren’t in dispute. Citizens overwhelmingly prefer neighborhoods and cities that support multimodal transportation. Let’s remind the General Assembly that their constituents are paying attention–and that bike/ped funding is too important to cut.

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