Congressman Albio Sires (New Jersey's 8th District) has been campaigning hard lately for those of us who enjoy alternative transportation options, and specifically for cyclists and walkers.

On Tuesday (January 28, 2014), Congressman Sires questioned witnesses at a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing as to how the federal government can make our roads safer for all users.

The "Improving the Effectiveness of the Federal Surface Transportation Safety Grant Programs" hearing focused broadly on gains in highway safety and the important role the federal government has played in reducing roadway fatalities.

"More than 30,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2012, and 17% of those deaths were our roads most vulnerable users: pedestrians and bicyclists. Yet, only 1.5% of federal transportation funding goes towards making our sidewalks and streets safer for them," said Sires.

"With an increasing number of people biking and walking each year, we must ensure that we look at our roadways holistically - as a network made up of many different users - and take all of their safety into account."

Then yesterday, Congressman Sires has introduced the New Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Financing Act of 2014.

Modeled after the successful Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), this bipartisan legislation will allow communities to take advantage of low-cost financing for projects that make our streets and sidewalks safer for all users.

The New Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Financing Act of 2014 (NOBPIFA) will allow communities to take advantage of low-cost financing for projects that make streets and sidewalks safer for all users through a new federal credit assistance program that would direct millions specifically for low-income communities.

The League summarizes the main points of the bill thusly:

The League of American Bicyclists is asking all of us to voice our opinion and to make sure our representatives are aware of how we feel.

If you believe bicycling should be safe for everyone, tell your Representative to support H.R. 3978 today!

Click the link below to log in and send your message: https://www.votervoice.net/link/target/bikeleague/J4W5Kbti3.aspx

Sires has tied this bill to the 2014 State of the Union speech.

"Last night, President Obama called on Congress to help rebuild our middle class, and this bill would do just that," said Congressman Sires. "When we make our roads and sidewalks safer, we help connect workers to new jobs. We create communities where families want to live and businesses want to invest. And we give mothers and fathers peace of mind, knowing they aren't sending their children to school on the unsafe sidewalks and roadways that exist in so many of our rural and urban communities."

"I am pleased that this legislation has drawn bipartisan support here in the House," stated Congressman Sires. "This novel approach will add another tool in the toolbox for mayors, governors, and private investors to reinvigorate their communities and develop a strong, vibrant middle class."