Well, I would have to agree that I think using federal funding for bike trails and paths is a waste of money. Most bike trails and paths in my area are for recreation; you know, families going for a weekend ride, people power walking their dogs. I'd rather the money be spent on creating and maintaining safe bike lanes on main roads and better public transit systems.
An article in today's San Jose Mercury News was about how a higher percentage of people in the San Jose area, despite the year-round great weather, despite access to public transit, still use their cars to get to work compared to hilly San Francisco, rainy Portland, and freakin' hot Phoenix.
I think the reason is that there are few main roads in San Jose that have good, safe bike lanes. F%&*K bike PATHS, we need bike LANES!