Good News for the Pucks Out There
Posted on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
This might be old news for the serious bikers in town, but earlier this month president Bush signed into law the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act as a piggy back to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “bailout package”).
Beginning January 1, 2009, employers will able to compensate bicycle commuters up to $20 (in exchange for a tax credit) to offset bicycle purchases, maintenance and accessories. It’s not much, but let’s face it, at least here in Jackson, we all ride to work for fun anyway, right?
An extra Twenty in your back pocket can’t hurt.
This bill along with others, such as the California Complete Streets Act, passed by Governor Schwarzenegger at the end of September, should give people hope that our country can move in the right direction, even if only in baby steps. (The Complete Streets Act mandates that California streets be designed to accommodate all users including bicyclists.)
From the press release about the Commuter Act:
“We are delighted that the bicycle commuter benefits act has passed after a lengthy and persistent campaign spearheaded by Congressman [Earl] Blumenauer (D-OR),” said League of American Bicyclists President Andy Clarke. “Bicycle commuters will now be extended similar benefits to people who take transit and drive to work – it’s an equitable and sensible incentive to encourage greater energy independence, improve air quality and health, and even help tackle climate change. Thanks to everyone who has helped reach this milestone, especially Walter Finch and Mele Williams, our government relations staff over the years who have worked tirelessly with Congressman Blumenauer, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and many others in Congress.”
In an ironic twist, Congressman Blumenauer, who worked tirelessly on the bill for two years, felt compelled to vote against it because it was attached to the $700 billion bailout bill. … Sad to have spent that much time on something that in the end he felt morally obligated to reject. This site details the bitter-sweetness of it all.
Overall, I still think this is a good step for everyone.
Shane Lindsay is a graphic designer and bike fanatic who recently moved to the valley from Chicago with his dog Colt.
Editor’s Note: “Puck,” from The Real World San Francisco, is the outrageous character who romanticized the bike messenger life on the 1994 show. While this bill is really for commuters, not just messengers, Puck is a fantastic poster boy for the city biking life.
No, Puck is not a fantastic poster boy for the city biking life. In reality he was only a messenger for a few weeks before he left for greener pastures. His outrageous character is also not typical of most bicycle messengers and is not an acurate portrayal of such. Nor would he be a very benefitial “poster boy” for any organization working for cyclists rights.