I should be memorizing AT and Tele gear for my new job...
But I've been thinking a lot about the
Bicycle Commuter Act, and how the League of American Cyclists doesn't promote it enough (my opinion) or have a handout for employees to give employers about it. I think ALL bike shops and local/government organizations should do this. Why don't they? Because its hard to understand and there's no Toolkit to understand it.
I had asked about getting it going more in Montpelier, but it just seems like the organizations in Montpelier had a lot more they needed to focus on, but imagine if all bicycle commuters in that very freethinking state capitol of mine, we applauded nationwide for being the first capitol to reward its bicycle commuters town-wide. I think it's something Montpelier can do. I have a few ideas whirling on how I can help with that... when I move back that is... (I have no set date yet, but fear not).
The benefits of this Act (which is a Law and has been for a few years) are that bicycle commuters
get money toward their expenses. There is one organization that helps companies enact this, or smaller businesses have to read up on Fringe Benefits on the IRS page, which is kind of a pain in the ass, and I can see why more small businsses haven't taken advantage of this act to up moral, or show they value their employees ethics and choices. In bigger cities there are fees cyclists have and this helps cover part of that. Everywhere cyclists have wear and tear expenses. It's not fair to just reward commuters of mass transit or carpooling. So this is bringing the fairness there, but why don't any people know about this? GOSH!
Maybe they do in
Oregon, since they had a big play in this Act becoming law. Wouldn't it be fun (Montpelier people...) to have a town-wide Commuter Bike Challenge? Or even State-Wide competition? I know there is the Bike to Work week and things like that, but honestly, who really fully does that? In Mammoth this summer there was a Commuter Bike Challenge. You would get a little business card and go to the 5 or 6 participating businesses and get a stamp. At the last business you went to you'd get a prize, and entered into a contest to win a Trek Glob, I mean Globe. Nice motivation and fun? And gets people exploring town. You had to be on a biek to do it. I know I need some nice, friendly competition to motivate. So lets do this people! The coupons for discounts on lights, etc are great incentives too, but we need more.
I just REALLY think this Bicycle Commuter Act is not getting the attention it deserves.
And check out Kidical Mass!
Maybe I should move to Oregon... and I'll someday be this mom.
This dude is serious. He wants your employer to sign up for the Bicycle Commuter Act benefits!
