America Bikes Director Explains TEA-3

IMBA Trail News
Volume 15, Number 4
Fall 2002

IMBA recently asked America Bikes Executive Director Martha Roskowski to shed some light on TEA-3, the next federal transportation bill.

What is the connection between the Federal government's transportation spending bill and bicycling?

Every six years Congress passes a new federal transportation-funding bill that authorizes tens of billions of dollars of spending every year. It used to be that all this money went to highway construction. In 1991, Congress decided that some of this money - less than one percent - should go towards creating bicycling and pedestrian facilities.

OK, what's the difference between TEA-3, TEA-21 and ISTEA?

The federal transportation bill has a different name every six years. In 1991 the bill was called ISTEA. In 1999 the name was TEA-21. The current version is called TEA-3.

What is America Bikes?

America Bikes is the bicycling community's campaign to ensure positive outcomes for cycling in the next federal transportation-funding bill. America Bikes is a coalition of eight national cycling groups, including IMBA. Never before has the bike community come together to work on a single project like this.

Why should mountain bikers care about America Bikes and TEA-3?

How many of your mountain bike rides involve a stretch of pavement? Wouldn't you rather ride that segment on a separate path? Under TEA-3 is something called the Recreation Trails Program (RTP). RTP funds trails across the country. RTP funds are based on a percentage of gas taxes paid for by off-road motorized vehicle users. Last year, the RTP funds were about $50 million, of which more than half goes towards non-motorized trails. There is also a program of TEA-3 called the Transportation Enhancements Program that has put $1.5 billion into bike paths and facilities since 1991.

What can mountain bikers do to get more involved?

Mountain bikers should visit americabikes.org and join the team. There is no membership cost. Our database lets cyclists know when there is an important campaign coming up. We're asking mountain biking clubs to support the America Bike's agenda by signing a petition. They can read this agenda on our website.

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	America Bikes Director Explains TEA-3 IMBA Trail News Volume 15, Number 4 Fall 2002 IMBA recently asked America Bikes Executive Director Martha Roskowski to shed some light on TEA-3, the next federal transportation bill. What is the connection between the Federal government's transportation spending bill and bicycling? Every six years Congress passes a new federal transportation-funding bill that authorizes tens of billions of dollars of spending every year. It used to be that all this money went to highway construction. In 1991, Congress decided that some of this money - less than one percent - should go towards creating bicycling and pedestrian facilities. OK, what's the difference between TEA-3, TEA-21 and ISTEA? The federal transportation bill has a different name every six years. In 1991 the bill was called ISTEA. In 1999 the name was TEA-21. The current version is called TEA-3. What is America Bikes? America Bikes is the bicycling community's campaign to ensure positive outcomes for cycling in the next federal transportation-funding bill. America Bikes is a coalition of eight national cycling groups, including IMBA. Never before has the bike community come together to work on a single project like this. Why should mountain bikers care about America Bikes and TEA-3? How many of your mountain bike rides involve a stretch of pavement? Wouldn't you rather ride that segment on a separate path? Under TEA-3 is something called the Recreation Trails Program (RTP). RTP funds trails across the country. RTP funds are based on a percentage of gas taxes paid for by off-road motorized vehicle users. Last year, the RTP funds were about $50 million, of which more than half goes towards non-motorized trails. There is also a program of TEA-3 called the Transportation Enhancements Program that has put $1.5 billion into bike paths and facilities since 1991. What can mountain bikers do to get more involved? Mountain bikers should visit americabikes.org and join the team. There is no membership cost. Our database lets cyclists know when there is an important campaign coming up. We're asking mountain biking clubs to support the America Bike's agenda by signing a petition. They can read this agenda on our website.


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright