From the Virginia Bicycling Federation:
The recent attack on all federal bike-ped funding has been thwarted, but the 39-59 vote for S. Amendment 2371 was too close for our comfort.
Surprisingly, Virginia’s own Sen. Webb supported Sen. Coburn’s attack on Transportation Enhancements. Needless to say, we’re very disappointed in Sen. Webb, and we’re sure many of you are too. So contact Sen. Webb’s office, and let him know how you feel. Tell him that you’re disappointed in his performance, and urge him to support Transportation Enhancements from now on.
Thanks to everyone who called and wrote to their legislators already. But the battle isn’t over yet. Your continued support is needed, to ensure funding will still be available for anything besides motor vehicle facilities. Let’s think about moving people — not just cars.
The background here is that Coburn’s amendment prohibited any spending of funds on pedestrian or cycling-related transportation improvements until every car-based priority had been fulfilled. It’s a terribly backward policy, and not one that Webb (or any other Senator) should be supporting. Please take a second to let him know. Thanks.