According to the League of American Bicyclists's "American Bicyclist Update" newsletter:
"On August 4, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) joined a majority in the House of Representatives to pass landmark energy independence legislation that includes a provision to extend fringe benefits to bike commuters. The Commuter Benefit for bicyclists amends section 132(f) of the IRS code to include "bicycles" in the definition of transportation covered by fringe benefits. Included in the Ways and Means energy bill is a benefit of $20 per month for employees who bike to work."
The Senate will need to follow suit and then the President will have to sign this piece of legislation before it becomes law.
This piece of legislation will make bike commuting an even more attractive option by helping individuals purchase new bicycles and equipment for their commutes. In addition, it will put bicycling on more equal footing with the important transit and ridiculous parking subsidies also provided by the Federal government.
photo credit: Carfree USA Blog
Comments