Political mojo
10-26-11, 05:38 PM
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Political mojo
Shamelessly cut and pasted from Mother Jones, written by Stephanie Mencimer:
https://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/10/gop-hates-bikes
Shamelessly cut and pasted from Mother Jones, written by Stephanie Mencimer:
https://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/10/gop-hates-bikes
https://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/10/gop-hates-bikes
The GOP Hates Bikes
As part of their big push to cut government spending, Republicans have zeroed in on the nation's cyclists.
By Stephanie Mencimer | Tue Oct. 25, 2011 9:24 AM PDT
Over the past few months, as Republicans have focused their attention on cutting what they see as wasteful government spending, they've zeroed in on a surprising new target: bicyclists, and the programs that serve them.
The federal government spends about $40 billion a year on transportation projects. Of that, about $928 million has been devoted to what's known as a "transportation enhancement" program, which provides funding for projects—including rails-to-trails conversions, bike lanes, and bridges—that make cycling safer, and thus more viable as a commuting option. But as Congress gears up to reauthorize the massive transportation funding bill this year, Republicans are arguing that states shouldn't be forced to use scarce transportation funds to encourage bike commuting when bridges for cars are falling down.
As part of their big push to cut government spending, Republicans have zeroed in on the nation's cyclists.
By Stephanie Mencimer | Tue Oct. 25, 2011 9:24 AM PDT
Over the past few months, as Republicans have focused their attention on cutting what they see as wasteful government spending, they've zeroed in on a surprising new target: bicyclists, and the programs that serve them.
The federal government spends about $40 billion a year on transportation projects. Of that, about $928 million has been devoted to what's known as a "transportation enhancement" program, which provides funding for projects—including rails-to-trails conversions, bike lanes, and bridges—that make cycling safer, and thus more viable as a commuting option. But as Congress gears up to reauthorize the massive transportation funding bill this year, Republicans are arguing that states shouldn't be forced to use scarce transportation funds to encourage bike commuting when bridges for cars are falling down.
https://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/10/gop-hates-bikes
Last edited by unterhausen; 10-27-11 at 07:19 AM. Reason: copyright violation
10-26-11, 06:02 PM
#2
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While I am a Republican, they will get a letter from me about their stupidity!!
10-26-11, 07:56 PM
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Yes, yes, we've all heard the sermon Mr. Axelrod, Democrats are all saints and Republicans are all demons.
Such a blatantly partisan post should be in Politics & Religion where the usual suspects can lambaste each other on the particulars.
Such a blatantly partisan post should be in Politics & Religion where the usual suspects can lambaste each other on the particulars.
10-26-11, 08:22 PM
#4
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The GOP doesn't hate bikes, they just want to cycle vehicularly.
10-26-11, 08:36 PM
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Do you mean, just on the roads? I am asking, not debating.
Because, I know of quite a few cyclists, in my neighborhood, including my neighbor, who can't go as fast I can, and are well suited on bike paths instead of the road.
Because, I know of quite a few cyclists, in my neighborhood, including my neighbor, who can't go as fast I can, and are well suited on bike paths instead of the road.
10-26-11, 08:42 PM
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Politics and politicians are hitting a new apex of polarization, now cyclist loose funding.
Last edited by ChicAgo steel; 10-27-11 at 09:06 AM.
10-26-11, 08:44 PM
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It's a real shame that, to begin with, 1% of the highway funding is used for the 1% of us that bicycle full time is such a big deal. Then to play partisan games with that piddly bit of money is a good indicator of what is wrong with the U.S. these days. Not even getting into my own political beliefs (although if you read my posts they are easy to figure out) cycling is a non-partisan issue. I know just as many Republicans who ride as Democrats, just as many tea partiers as those who support the occupation movement. Let's get over it and continue to give the 1% of us who bicycle the 1% of the transportation fund we deserve! We can get more people to cycle, then as our per centage goes up lobby for more. It's simple until the politicians get hold of it...
10-27-11, 03:25 AM
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its not the 'publicans talking, its the money.
auto interests and petroleum lobby drives republicans to lunch. democrats too. its a sorry state of affairs for bicycling, a bi-partisan issue, one that concerns all bicyclists in america regardless of political persuasion,
and pressing we act to preserve funding for Transportation Enhancements now. this IS an advocacy issue facing ALL american bicyclists, regardless of political persuasion.
Write your senators now, tell them you oppose spending Transportation Enhancements allocations for bridge repairs and that Transportation enhancements projects will help derail future costs to america's infrastructure.
bikes do not break bridges, why should energy efficient and low infrastructure impact transportation be penalized for the inability to properly fund America's motoring infrastructure.
auto interests and petroleum lobby drives republicans to lunch. democrats too. its a sorry state of affairs for bicycling, a bi-partisan issue, one that concerns all bicyclists in america regardless of political persuasion,
and pressing we act to preserve funding for Transportation Enhancements now. this IS an advocacy issue facing ALL american bicyclists, regardless of political persuasion.
Write your senators now, tell them you oppose spending Transportation Enhancements allocations for bridge repairs and that Transportation enhancements projects will help derail future costs to america's infrastructure.
bikes do not break bridges, why should energy efficient and low infrastructure impact transportation be penalized for the inability to properly fund America's motoring infrastructure.
Last edited by Bekologist; 10-27-11 at 03:29 AM.
10-27-11, 07:21 AM
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Before posting, please review some opinions of what constitutes "fair use." I have done a significant edit of the OP. Sometimes I'm not that energetic and just delete everything.
10-27-11, 09:11 AM
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I think that around a decade ago, some very important defense analyst (maybe Thomas something?) wrote a book in which he laid out the probable path of the US over the next 40 or 50 years. Basically, they visualize a spreading chaos that will follow the vanishing of low end jobs that will eventually take down many of their friendly governments in the Middle East and Asia.. Also even though they claim global warming doesn't exist, they know it does, and they are planning for huge disruptions in food supply etc, that is going to cause global warfare, then in the interests of stability, the US will benificently agree to take over the Middle East oil fields, for their own good, but in order to justify that Americans all have to still be driving big cars and have no other alternatives. Bicycles or widespread availability of alternatives of any kind threaten the military "raison d' etre", and their entire world plan.
I'll try to remember the name of the book.. There is also a declassified CIA report that explains all the part about the disruptions. Tropical diseases moving towards the poles, rising sea levels, rising cost of food, etc. Food prices are already through the roof in many countries. The US has cheaper food as a percentage of income than most other places. Even in the EU its much more expensive than here.
Ask Asian people about the 2008 rice shortage. That hit the US too.
I'll try to remember the name of the book.. There is also a declassified CIA report that explains all the part about the disruptions. Tropical diseases moving towards the poles, rising sea levels, rising cost of food, etc. Food prices are already through the roof in many countries. The US has cheaper food as a percentage of income than most other places. Even in the EU its much more expensive than here.
Ask Asian people about the 2008 rice shortage. That hit the US too.
Last edited by christ0ph; 10-27-11 at 09:21 AM.
10-27-11, 09:23 AM
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10-27-11, 09:28 AM
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10-27-11, 01:51 PM
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they want to use money that is intended to make roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and fix some ratty, end-of-lifespan critical conditions bridgeways.
A bogus use of transportation dollars and one your senators need to know we do not support.
Write to your senators, demand they preserve funding for Transportation Enhancements original purpose.
10-27-11, 04:29 PM
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10-27-11, 06:39 PM
#15
Cycle Year Round
10-28-11, 03:13 AM
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preserving TE funding for bicycling is a populist advocacy issue.
write your senators, preserve Transportation enhancements for their stated purposes. Preserve and prolong repair of critical infrastructure in the future, plan for non-motorized traffic in communities.
bikes don't bust bridges.
write your senators, preserve Transportation enhancements for their stated purposes. Preserve and prolong repair of critical infrastructure in the future, plan for non-motorized traffic in communities.
bikes don't bust bridges.
10-28-11, 07:08 AM
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preserving TE funding for bicycling is a populist advocacy issue.
write your senators, preserve Transportation enhancements for their stated purposes. Preserve and prolong repair of critical infrastructure in the future, plan for non-motorized traffic in communities.
bikes don't bust bridges.
write your senators, preserve Transportation enhancements for their stated purposes. Preserve and prolong repair of critical infrastructure in the future, plan for non-motorized traffic in communities.
bikes don't bust bridges.
10-28-11, 12:17 PM
#18
Senior Member
Advocacy: get in touch with your senators regarding this issue, again.
10-28-11, 01:58 PM
#19
Cycle Year Round
10-28-11, 02:30 PM
#20
Senior Member
Both your senators are D -- maybe write them in support of bike funding; against R attempts to amend bike funding out of TA.
https://www.senate.gov/general/contac...m.cfm?State=HI
Akaka, Daniel K. - (D - HI) Class I
141 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6361
Web Form: www.akaka.senate.gov/email-senator-akaka.cfm
Inouye, Daniel K. - (D - HI) Class III
722 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3934
Web Form: www.inouye.senate.gov/Contact/ContactDKI.cfm
https://www.senate.gov/general/contac...m.cfm?State=HI
Akaka, Daniel K. - (D - HI) Class I
141 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-6361
Web Form: www.akaka.senate.gov/email-senator-akaka.cfm
Inouye, Daniel K. - (D - HI) Class III
722 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-3934
Web Form: www.inouye.senate.gov/Contact/ContactDKI.cfm
10-28-11, 02:50 PM
#21
Cycle Year Round
Hawaii is the only state in the country in which every county votes democrat in presidential elections. And here is what the democrats in Hawaii do with the money:
And before you make the claim we are not working hard enough with our politicians:
The Hawaii Bicycle League had a group of cyclist working on a plan for all 1.6 miles of Young Street, Honolulu for a very long time. Even though the plan had bike lanes, bike lane opponents were willing to not object to the final plan because there would not be any door zone parking and the final plan was really a wide outside lane with a white strip on it. Parking would be reduced and moved to the center island of the road and no left turns allowed from driveways. The mayor and city council agreed with the final plan and the city council voted funding for it. Before the plan went to bid, we had an election for mayor and the NEW democrat mayor that had campaign commercials of him riding a bike, won. As soon as that NEW mayor got into office, he pushed the city council to defund the project.
In it's place, the NEW democrat mayor gave cyclist one block worth of death trap bike lane, that includes door zone bike lane, no sight lines for driveways, and the really bad zigging bike lane that keeps making the travel lane even smaller encouraging extremely close passes (see photo below). Under the NEW democrat mayor, police do not ticket any of the motorist that park in the bike lane (I am actually OK with that as it is a good excuse for not riding in the bike lane). Much of the illegal bike lane parking is done by a Porsche repair shop that parks repair vehicles on the street and blocking the sidewalk (notice the red Porshe just to the right of the van blocking the sidewalk while being repaired).
And before you make the claim we are not working hard enough with our politicians:
The Hawaii Bicycle League had a group of cyclist working on a plan for all 1.6 miles of Young Street, Honolulu for a very long time. Even though the plan had bike lanes, bike lane opponents were willing to not object to the final plan because there would not be any door zone parking and the final plan was really a wide outside lane with a white strip on it. Parking would be reduced and moved to the center island of the road and no left turns allowed from driveways. The mayor and city council agreed with the final plan and the city council voted funding for it. Before the plan went to bid, we had an election for mayor and the NEW democrat mayor that had campaign commercials of him riding a bike, won. As soon as that NEW mayor got into office, he pushed the city council to defund the project.
In it's place, the NEW democrat mayor gave cyclist one block worth of death trap bike lane, that includes door zone bike lane, no sight lines for driveways, and the really bad zigging bike lane that keeps making the travel lane even smaller encouraging extremely close passes (see photo below). Under the NEW democrat mayor, police do not ticket any of the motorist that park in the bike lane (I am actually OK with that as it is a good excuse for not riding in the bike lane). Much of the illegal bike lane parking is done by a Porsche repair shop that parks repair vehicles on the street and blocking the sidewalk (notice the red Porshe just to the right of the van blocking the sidewalk while being repaired).
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10-28-11, 02:57 PM
#22
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...what a bogus, lousy hijack of a very important topic that is an issue for all Americans.
write your senators, preserve Transportation Enhancement funds (TE funding) for walking and bicycling infrastructure. Bikes and pedestrians don't break bridges,
demand your senators not funnel TE funds into sen. Rand's bridge repair bill.
this is a nonpartisan issue affecting the walkability and bikeability of every state.
write your senators today or this weekend, the vote to funnel TE funds to bridge repair is Tuesday Nov. 1.
10-28-11, 03:05 PM
#23
Cycle Year Round
Take your blinders to the real world off Bek.
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10-28-11, 03:11 PM
#24
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..'blinders off'
pfft.
Taking TE funds and moving them to bridge repair would be a reprehensible absconding of funds that are dedicated to walking and biking enhancements in america.
Write YOUR senators, demand they preserve TE funds for their stated purpose. Bikes don't break bridges, pedestrians don't break bridges.
If the senate wants to get serious about fixing even the most fracture critical bridges in america, they're going to have to find a hecknof a lot more money than TE funds would provide.
America shouldn't sacrifice the walkability and bikeability of this nation to throw pennies at A HUGE PROBLEM, critical and fracture critical bridges and elevated roadways in this country.
Spending on TE projects can actually help lessen future infrastructure costs. Bikes don't break bridges.
write your senators today, preserve TE funding for active transportation.
pfft.
Taking TE funds and moving them to bridge repair would be a reprehensible absconding of funds that are dedicated to walking and biking enhancements in america.
Write YOUR senators, demand they preserve TE funds for their stated purpose. Bikes don't break bridges, pedestrians don't break bridges.
If the senate wants to get serious about fixing even the most fracture critical bridges in america, they're going to have to find a hecknof a lot more money than TE funds would provide.
America shouldn't sacrifice the walkability and bikeability of this nation to throw pennies at A HUGE PROBLEM, critical and fracture critical bridges and elevated roadways in this country.
Spending on TE projects can actually help lessen future infrastructure costs. Bikes don't break bridges.
write your senators today, preserve TE funding for active transportation.
Last edited by Bekologist; 10-28-11 at 03:15 PM.
10-28-11, 03:45 PM
#25
Cycle Year Round
10 mph MUPs are not very Transportation Enhancing, OK for recreation but not transportation.
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