Rock N Road Goes to Washington D.C.

ROCK N’ ROAD GOES TO WASHINGTON D.C.
by Greg De La Paz

I was in the nation’s capital for the National Bike Summit 2010 in the beginning of March. Over 700 bicycle advocates from all walks of life attended the National Bike Summit. The goal of the summit was to increase federal funding for alternative transportation projects; bike lanes, complete streets, and safe routes to schools. However, let’s not forget the fun stuff, we also advocated for additional funding for urban revitalization which would allow for more green belts, open space parks, and wilderness areas.
So you ask how does this all work, well I was asking myself the exact same thing. It appears you just need to ask for what you want. Basically, the issue is we (public) just don’t ask for what we want from our representatives in government. I met with the aids of the majority of the Orange County Congressional Representatives and it seems they are willing to listen. Not that you always get what you want but you can be heard. For our political system to work we need to participate, not just vote and go home, heck some of us don’t even vote.
So here are some of the specific things you can do to help our cause’s progress to the next level. Call and write your congressman or congresswoman and be specific about what you want. Educate yourself about the bills you are asking them to vote on. Follow up on your initial request and be persistent until you get an answer. I was informed that it takes around 25 requests from their constituents (you!) on a specific item, before it starts to peak the congressional representative’s curiosity. So this means we need to do our part so get your friends involved! Make it a group activity have fun. If you aren’t sure who your representative is look on the web at house.gov to find out. Also go to congress.gov and senate.gov to find more information on the specific bills that interest you that you want passed.
Here are the bills the cycling community currently needs to get passed:
· H.R. 4722
· H.R. 1443
· H.R. 4021
· H.R. 3743
· S. 2747
Do some research and educate yourself on the subjects that can make a difference for us all. So jump in and speak up and make yourself heard, let your representative hear what is important to you.

Till next time,
Greg De La Paz

For those of you wanting more information drop me a line at greg@rocknroadcyclery.net.