Tell Your Senators: Support a More Connected America

Support A More Connected America

The Connecting America's Active Transportation System Act has been introduced in the U.S. Senate—a companion to the House bill (H.R. 5696) introduced just weeks ago.

This proposal, coupled with increases in funding for Transportation Alternatives and the Recreational Trails Program, would provide critical resources for communities to build safe, convenient and accessible places for people to walk, bike and roll.

The introduction of the Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act in the Senate is a major leap forward to help ensure that the next major transportation bill includes trails, walking and biking as an integral part of connecting communities nationwide.

Take action now: Tell your senators to make wise investments in trails, walking and biking in the next transportation bill by supporting the Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act. Personalized messages work best. Be sure to tell your senators why connected trail and active transportation networks are important to you.

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* Subject:

Dear [Decision Maker],

* Personalize your message

I am writing to express support for dedicated federal investment in connected active-transportation networks and spines in the reauthorization of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and ask that you support the Connecting America's Active Transportation System Act.

I understand that the FAST Act expires in September 2020. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Congress to shape our transportation system into one that serves all Americans and allows bicyclists and pedestrians to safely travel to wherever they need to go.

The majority of all trips in our country are within a 20-minute bicycle ride, and nearly a quarter are within a 20-minute walk--yet current federal transportation policy only invests less than 2% of funds in bicycle and pedestrian projects. At the same time, bicyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities are skyrocketing while other vehicle-related fatalities are on the decline.

In order to build a robust, modern transportation system that serves all Americans, federal investment needs to carve out funding designed to create and maintain connected active-transportation networks. Congress has the potential to double active transportation funding by:

* Signing on to the Connecting America's Active Transportation System Act, which would establish focused funding for connectivity that invests in active transportation networks, which ensure that people can safely travel within their communities, between residences and routine destinations such as jobs, schools, commercial centers and transit--as well as spines, which connect between communities and states.

* Supporting legislation to grow Transportation Alternatives--the largest federal funding source for trails, walking and biking--and curb transfers from the program so that meaningful opportunities are provided in all states to develop safe places to walk and bike.

* Supporting legislation to triple funding for the Recreational Trails Program, the only federal funding source that supports trail maintenance, to reflect recreational fuel taxes and ensure good repair as trails age.

* Support legislation to set aside 5% of both the Federal Lands Transportation Program and Federal Lands Access Program for active transportation to provide funding for construction, planning and design of walking and biking facilities to accommodate all non-drivers and provide access to points of interest in our Federal Estate.

I urge you to sponsor and vote in favor of these proposals as they come before you to significantly increase investment in these connected active-transportation networks and spines.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]