Senator Nelson responds to BikeWalkLee letter in support of bike/ped programs

June 12, 2012     Senator Nelson responds to our message yesterday in support of the bike/ped provisions in the Senate transportation bill.  It's great to see our Senate conferee fighting to keep complete streets and bike/ped funding in the final transportation bill. Dear Ms. Letourneau:      Thank you for contacting me regarding funding of transportation enhancements, like bike trails and walking paths, in the highway bill. The Senate's version of the highway bill gives local governments better access to funding for projects that they identify as important to their communities. The Senate and House have appointed members to the conference committee for the highway bill, and work has begun to find a compromise between the House and Senate versions of the legislation. I am a cosponsor of  Safe and Complete Streets (S. 1056) and have continually voted to prevent efforts to strip funding for transportation enhancements. Many of Florida's roads are not designed to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic.  This has become more evident as the price of gas continues to rise and more people begin to use alternate forms of transportation.  I believe we need to make our streets more accessible to all kinds of traffic so that folks have safe options to get around without using a car.  Not only does this help people save money on gas, it's also better for the environment, and it encourages daily physical activity, such as walking and biking. I am serving on the conference committee for the highway bill, and I will keep your views in mind as we work toward a compromise. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.                                    Sincerely,                                    Bill Nelson