IN SUPPORT OF ALTERNATIVE MODES OF
TRANSPORTATION, SUCH AS BIKESHARING PROGRAMS, AS A MEANS TO INCREASE
TRANSPORTATION MOBILITY AND MODE CHOICE
WHEREAS, expanded use of alternative modes of
transportation improves air quality, reduces our dependence on foreign oil,
improves mobility and can promote a more active and healthy lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, cities and
states throughout the nation are implementing and expanding programs to enable
and encourage the use of cleaner, healthier modes of transport; and
WHEREAS, use of
alternative modes of transportation helps all users of the transportation
system, including those who choose to or must drive, by reducing congestion and
improving safety among other benefits; and
WHEREAS, alternative
modes of transportation often support each other– for example, bike sharing
programs improve the effectiveness of the existing transit system, integrating into the existing network and
providing valuable connections and flexibility; and
WHEREAS, bicycling,
whether on one’s own bike or using a shared bike, is a convenient, affordable,
healthy, environmentally-friendly and fun method of transportation, especially
for trips under three miles; and
WHEREAS, increased use of
alternative modes of transportation helps make communities more livable by
increasing safety, improving the connectivity of our transportation network,
reducing congestion and improving air quality; and
WHEREAS, federal funding
for programs that provide, enable and/or increase the availability of
alternative modes of transportation has come under increasing attack at the
federal level;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly endorses the planning
and implementation of alternative modes of transportation throughout the United
States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
that The U.S. Conference of Mayors urges the United States Department of
Transportation and the United States Congress to provide substantial new
funding and other incentives, including tax credits, for alternative means of
transportation, and to facilitate the exchange of information between
interested parties.
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