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“Viewpoints” | Give High School Students Healthy Transportation Choices, Too

By: Earl Blumenauer

We all recognize the signs of a livable community: people biking and kids walking safely around their neighborhoods. These are important forms of commuting that also contribute to a community’s vitality. This is especially true for children, who should be able to securely walk and bike to their most important destinations: schools, parks, and their friends’ homes. Fortunately, the federal government has recognized the importance of providing our children with safe and convenient ways to walk and bike to school. In 2005, building on the success of the Safe Routes ...

“Viewpoints” | Celebrating the Health Benefits of Biking

By: Earl Blumenauer

Last May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution naming May “National Bicycle Month,” giving federal recognition to our most efficient form of transportation. Several months later, the Bicycle Commuter Act was signed into law, enabling bicycle commuters to receive tax-free benefits for their unique contributions reducing traffic congestion and air pollution while improving their own health. These actions could not have come at a better time. Today, Americans are suffering an unprecedented epidemic of obesity. Sixty-seven percent of American adults are overweight or obese; 17% of children and 19% ...