National Bike Bill update passes House committee; vote expected soon

The National Bike Bill — which was introduced back in February by U.S. Congressmen Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) — made its first appearance on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives this morning.

The bill (House Congressional Resolution 305, full text here) seeks to buoy the efforts of bike advocates nationwide and “recognize the importance of bicycling in transportation and recreation.”

Last week, the bill passed out of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

According to Blumenauer staffer Meeky Blizzard, the bill made it to the floor of the House this morning where it was debated by several lawmakers. Blizzard says two House members made favorable comments (one Republican, one Democrat) about the resolution before the session concluded.

Unfortunately, a vote on the bill was postponed due to lack of a quorum present. A vote on the bill could come as early as tomorrow. Stay tuned for updates.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Vance
15 years ago

Wow, now there is some fantastically exciting news. I heard about this last night, figured there would be a ton absent \’cause of campaigning; and yet there was STILL comments! Seriously exciting stuff here. Let\’s hear it for Earl!

Bicycledave
15 years ago

This all sounds good, but does it have any teeth?

\”(1) recognizes that increased and safe bicycle use for transportation and recreation is in the national interest;
(2) supports policies that–…
(3) encourages the Department of Transportation to provide leadership…\”

Will this bill change anything significant in the way things are done?

If not at least it is a step in the right direction.

Matt Picio
15 years ago

Wahoo!

Bicycledave (#2) – no teeth, but it lays the groundwork for further legislation with teeth.

The more government documents you have stating something is a priority, the easier it is to put something through later that has real impact. (most of the time – Washington can kill anything with enough opposition)

Pete
Pete
15 years ago

This is much better than trying to get rid of the \”Hummer\” tax credit and make some revenue available to bicycle and pedestrian commuters. It looks like it\’ll lay the foundation for a sweeping paradigm shift in transportation across this great nation. Heck, it looks like Change We Can Believe In!

I love a good Congressional Resolution. Remember the one changing the name of certain foods in the House cafeteria when a certain country (whose asses we saved in WWII – how dare they?) refused to support our invasion of Iraq? (\”Would you like \’Liberty\’ fries with that?\” 🙂

OK, sorry for the blatant sarcasm; it somehow elevates in a campaign year. I truly do support Congressmen Bluemenauer and Oberstar and wish them the best in their efforts. It just kills me to see how these efforts are welcomed among their peers, though, and how little change seems to be able to be effected. I commend them for fighting for something that seems like it should just be common sense.

joe adamski
joe adamski
15 years ago

it seems even more timely as we grapple with the impact of higher fuel costs and what they mean to the citizenry.

and Matt Picio\’s comments are spot on. When a idea is supported and officially on the record, further change in concert with that idea. Mothers against Drunk Drivers are an advocacy group that struggled against the beverage industries lobbies/lobbyists until it was given a congressional \’hug\’. the rest is history.

joe adamski
joe adamski
15 years ago

thou shouldst edit before postin..

When a idea is supported and officially on the record, further change in concert with that idea get traction and go somewhere..

Matthew
Matthew
15 years ago

Jonathan, for what it\’s worth, it\’s \’buoy.\’ Cheers.

littlewaywelt
littlewaywelt
15 years ago

Pete,
please remember that this country might not even exist had the French not gotten involved in the Revolutionary war and civil war. The \”we saved them\” thing goes both ways.

Moo
Moo
15 years ago

Learn anything Sho?

Pete
Pete
15 years ago

littlewaywelt – J\’aime les Français! I was illustrating the sentiment some had at the time we were asking to use their air space. My point was someone proposed a resolution changing the name of French Fries to Liberty Fries while we were debating sending Americans to death. Actions like that lessen the importance of resolutions that raise awareness of real problems and potential solutions.

peejay
peejay
15 years ago

Pete:

Freedom Fries. They may be idiots, but the do know a good alliterative phase.

peejay
peejay
15 years ago

Oh, and the funny thing is that the congressman who pushed that through, Walter Jones of North Carolina, ended up deciding that the Iraq war had no purpose, and is one of the few anti-war Republicans in office today. You can\’t say that the stupid is incurable, after all.

Todd Scott
15 years ago

It appears we can track this House Resolution at http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=hc110-305

Pete
Pete
15 years ago

Thanks for the correction peejay! My memory was clouded by bewilderment back then. (It\’s since grown accustomed to it).