A $20-a-month benefit if you cycle to work

By David Beard
Globe Staff

You read that headline right.

As of January 1, bicyclists got their first piece of the economic stimulus plan.

Cyclists who commute all of part of the way to and from work can get reimbursed up to $20 per month, either as a cash reimbursement or a pre-tax deduction. That's if their employers participate in the new US program.

The program was sponsored by US Rep. Earl Blumenauer (pictured above with his bike) -- and it is an opening salvo on attempts by pro-cycling lawmakers and lobbyists to get a part of the stimulus package. For more on the program, check out this explanation from the Oregon Democrat's website.

Note that the provision would not apply to commuters who already receive a public transportation or parking benefit through their employers. The benefit applies to cyclists who make ''a substantial portion'' of their commute by bike.

The provision is one success that cyclists and lobbyists want to build on this year. President-elect Barack Obama's team already has received a list of $2 billion worth of bike parths and lanes in all 50 states that could be ready for construction in two months under the economic stimulus package.

The list came from Bikes Belong Coalition, which represents bicycle suppliers and retailers. The group told The Associated Press that such projects could help the environment, reduce reliance on foreign oil, improve health and boost the economy by encouraging people to park their cars and trucks and ride bicycles instead. Here's a link to the full AP article.

MassBike, which represents Bay State cyclists, is urging its members to sign an online petition in support of the bike path/lane construction efforts.

Readers, what do you think of the measures? Would you want your employer to take advantage of the tax breaks for the bike commuting benefit? Would a $20-a-month offer persuade you to commute by bike more often? Do you support a bike lane-and-path-building effort as part of the economic stimulus package -- or do you think it's just more pork? Let us know in our comments section.