Blumenauer, Crowley Release Proposal to Expand Bicycle Commuting

Press Release

Today, in recognition of Bike to Work Day, Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Joe Crowley (NY-14), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released a new proposal to modify and expand the bicycle commuter tax benefit to encourage more employees to bike to work.

The proposal increases the monthly limitation currently set on bicycle commuting expenses and modifies the bicycle commuter tax benefit to allow employees to take full advantage of the bicycle benefit. It also expands the bicycle commuter tax benefit to include bikeshare memberships as a qualifying expense.

"Cycling is the most efficient form of urban transportation ever devised," said Rep. Blumenauer. "With more Americans cycling to work than ever before, it's past time that the federal government provide the flexibility and incentives needed to encourage bike commuting and offer more transportation choices."

"Giving employees the ability to easily and affordably bike to work will benefit our economy, our environment, and our communities," said Chairman Crowley. "On Bike Work Day, I'm proud to team up with Congressman Blumenauer to help more Americans get on the road -- on a bike!"

"This week, we certified 114 new and renewing bicycle friendly businesses, including Target HQ, 3M and our first car dealership, Mitchell Auto Group from Simsbury CT," said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. "These employers have found that increasing commuter options for their employees is a smart choice for business. We thank Representatives Blumenauer and Crowley for leading on this issue. We believe that including a bicycle commuter benefit will help more businesses and communities offer healthy, safe commuter options."

"During the last decade, bicycle commuting has grown by more than 50 percent nationwide, leading to reduced traffic congestion and the promotion of good health," said Jenn Dice, Vice President, Business Network and Government Relations, PeopleForBikes. "The reinstated bicycle commuter benefit will encourage additional Americans to commute by bike, and further reduce traffic congestion throughout the country. We thank Rep. Blumenauer and Rep. Crowley for their leadership on this issue."

"Bike benefits are an important tool that can be used to provide employees with multimodal commuting options," said the Coalition for Smarter Transportation. "Bringing back tax benefits for bicycle users will help all users of the transportation system by reducing congestion."

The Bicycle Commuter Act of 2018 will be formally introduced later this year. Congressmen Blumenauer and Crowley released the proposal today to provide the public and key stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the draft amidst a rapidly-changing transportation system before the draft becomes formal legislation.

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