Committee on TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE U.S. House of Representatives	Democratic  News
Room 2163 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC  20515 Telephone 202-225-4472	Rep. James L. Oberstar, Ranking Democratic Member

 

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                 Contact:  Jim Berard

Wednesday, June 18, 2003                                                                                                                                                        (202) 225-4472

 

 

New Transportation Program Promotes Walking, Biking

 

PACE program would provide funds for livable

communities, safe routes to school

 

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WASHINGTON—A bill introduced today in the House of Representatives would help communities make infrastructure and safety improvements to encourage people to walk or bike from place to place.  It would also provide funds for communities to develop Safe Routes to School programs to create safe environments for children to walk or bike to and from school.

 

“This bill encourages children and adults to reacquaint themselves with the joys of human-powered transportation.  It helps communities to provide the infrastructure that makes going places by foot or bicycle fun again -- and safe,” said Rep. James L. Oberstar (Minn.), ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

 

The Pedestrian and Cyclist Equity (PACE) Act of 2003 authorizes $250 million a year in community grants for the Safe Routes to School program.  The grants will allow local governments to build or improve sidewalks, bike paths and other infrastructure to help children walk or ride to school safely.  The funds can also be used for non-infrastructure expenses, such as hiring crossing guards or traffic safety programs.

 

PACE provides $25 million annually for a Transportation and Active Living program to design safe, walkable and bikeable communities throughout the country.  It also provides $225 million  over the six-year life of the bill for three Non-Motorized Transportation pilot projects to build sidewalks, paths and bikeways linking homes, schools, businesses, civic facilities and public transit.

 

The bill has bipartisan support from 14 cosponsors.

 

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