Should the US government give tax credits for bicycle(r)s & create more bicycle-only roads?

As much as I might appreciate and benefit from stuff like this, I think it's the wrong thing to involve both the Federal government and the tax program in. Bicycle-only roads don't make much sense, but urban renovation and planning do!

There are some absolutely wonderful cycling-friendly cities in the US, Canada, and Europe....we should take a look at those and emulate where we can on a local level, with local government and populations, imho. The benefits will be reaped regardless of who heads the changes and programs....I just think there are better ways to work with Federal and tax programs.

There's a lot we can do as individuals, too....encouraging people to give biking a try, asking employers or local advocacy groups to consider non-automobile commuting programs, benefits, etc. A couple bike shops around here are actually (finally!) considering investing in some shower/bike locker facilities and although it won't make a huge impact in the polution/health arena for our area, it's a very nice step! :o)

The US government should stay the heck out of our pockets.

Already in place is a Grant to any community that wishes to make dedicated bicycle lanes on any highway (except limited access highways - IE freeways) when it is being constructed or reconstructed as maintenance. (ALREADY -- YES, IT'S THERE!) All we need are local leaders that would ask and receive the monies. Why don't they, you might ask? Because part of the deal with the feds is that the local entity has to maintain the bicycle lanes. It seems to be cheaper to build them than to maintain them on a regular basis. That is why we don't have more miles of bike lanes in this country.

That said, if we as Cyclist became activists, we could have all we wanted to travel on. Problem is that we as Cyclist are too busy riding, working, tending to our families. Who has time to make noise to be heard by the politicians?

I will just use the roads provided, as safely as I know how.

Keep the government out of as many things as possible. Even if an altruistic program of tax credits and bike only roads were started, it would not be long before DC politics and the pork barrel turned it into just one more way to ensure that incumbents get reelected and their financial contributers profit.

Sad to say this, but it's true.

No. In order for "The Government" to provide tax credits or build roads they have to fund it. How do they fund it? Increase another tax.

Just because it is the Governments job to print money it doesn't mean they have an endless supply. The money has to be backed up with goods and services.

In the UK we have a bike to work scheme where you can offset income tax and national insurance payments against the cost of a bike.

Basically your company buys the bike (no VAT... Sales Tax in the US) and 'leases' it to you. The money you pay is offset and you make a final payment after a set period and the bike is yours.

You effectively get a £500 bike for less than £300.

I think this is a great way to get Govt involvement

Your going to love this one. A medical study was concluded recently on bicyclist.

A weird unintended result was found. Biking creates more pollution per mile than a car. Their rational behind this is that bicyclist are found to have tremendously larger appetites and therefore the greenhouse gas emissions to create food and feed them exceed what a car puts out.

I got a good laugh out of it, but they said their study backs it up. Have to keep in mind since the advent of the catalytic converter, cars don't really put out that much emissions.

Most governments build bike lanes but aren't bicycles cars too ! Bicycles are ment to driven not ridden but they still bike lanes but aren't bike lanes sidewalks in disguise ?

Sure, and also tax credits for people who work at home (like me!) since I don't pollute either. I'm all for it.. as long as somebody else pays for it, right?

(yes, that's sarcasm, in case you're wondering)