Action Center

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Ways you can advocate all year long!

 Talk to people about how important it is to make the state of Mississippi better for bicyclists and pedestrians.   Some examples of people to talk to are: your elected officials, your employer, your friends and your family.   We need to build a community of support and speak out for appropriate bike and pedestrian friendly changes that will lead to a better quality of life in our state.

Use our links below to send a letter or email to your elected officials or click on the “I Bike, I Vote” logo to visit the League of American Bicyclists Action Page.   __________________________________________________________________

What you can do?

1. Show your support for the cause today by joining or renewing your membership with Bike Walk Mississippi; the best investment you can make to make Mississippi a better and safer place to walk, run or bike!

2. There is always a very real threat to biking, running and walking infrastructure as well as safety and education programs from Congress.   As of September 2011, the Transportation Bill received a clean extension which will maintain the same level of funding for Transportation Enhancement, Safe Routes to Schools and Recreational Trails; however this extension will only last until March 31, 2012 when biking and walking WILL be attacked again.  Help us communicate to your Congressman (click here) to tell them that you support biking and walking infrastructure, programs and funding in your communities!

3. Contact Mississippi’s Governor and tell him you support bicycle and pedestrian programs and infrastructure in the state of Mississippi.  We need the state of Mississippi to set a precedent that if we truly care about the health and safety of our citizens, we will invest in biking and pedestrian needs! Tell him Bike Walk Mississippi sent you!

4. Contact your local Transportation Commissioner:  Tell them you support bicycle and pedestrians as part of the overall transportation system in Mississippi.  Remember, we are one of the only states that ELECTS our Transportation Commissioners, so it is important that we let our voices be heard.  One specific thing you can do is offer your support to the Commissioners for the recently passed multiuse trail and wide paved shoulders resolution.  And, remember often the cuts to bike and pedestrian funding is left up to MDOT Officials, so if they also and for fair and proportional cuts across the board. 

Northern District Commissioner Mike Tagert: mtagert@mdot.state.ms.us
Central District Commissioner Dick Hall: dhall@mdot.state.ms.us
Southern District Commissioner Wayne Brown: whbrown@mdot.state.ms.us

FIND LINKS TO OTHER CONTACTS BELOW: 

• Talk to your Mayor and your Councilman/Alderman.  Click HERE to find a sample “ask”
• Talk to your Transportation Commissioner:  Click HERE to find out a sample email to send to your Commissioner.
• Talk to your U.S. Representative:  Click HERE to find out who your representative is and a sample of what to say/ask.
• Talk to your U.S. Senator:  Click HERE to find out who your Senator is and a sample of what to say/ask.
• Talk to your STATE Representative: Click HERE to find the contact information for your State Representative.
• Talk to your STATE Senator: Click HERE to find the contact information for your State Senator.

Remember that it is these elected official’s job to represent your needs and interests.  They need to know from you what matters in their district.   Here are some talking points along with statistics to help make your case:

On the Federal level: 

• Not in the National Interest? Biking and walking make up 12 percent of all trips in the US – even as funding for biking and walking projects only account for 1.5% of the federal transportation budget. – that’s more than 4 billion bicycle trips and 40 billion walking trips a year- including trips to work, school, shopping and for recreation and tourism.

Frivolous? Bicyclists and pedestrians are the victims of reckless highway design, accounting for 14% of all traffic related deaths. Two-thirds of all pedestrian deaths are on federally funded highways.   Bicycling and walking programs build sidewalks, crosswalks and bikeways, improving accessibility and saving lives.

On the Federal, State and LOCAL level:  

Return on Investment: 

• The Facts: Biking and walking are important forms of transportation, and dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements is a very efficient use of federal transportation dollars.  Portland, Oregon built a 300-mile network of bike lanes, multi-use trails, and bike boulevards for the cost of one mile of highway.   These projects also create jobs, and build local economies.  HERE is a Mississippi specific example of how bike/pedestrian infrastructure can build local economies.

• Building bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure creates 46% more jobs than building road-only projects per million dollars spent.  Cities that invest in bicycle and pedestrian projects turn downtowns into destinations, and capitalize on increased business activity.

Fiscal Responsibility: 

• Finally, shifting 1.5% of transportation spending has no impact on the federal budget, but instead, decreases transportation options for American families in a time of rising gas prices and an uncertain economy.

• The importance of creating a bicycle and pedestrian plan for your city or region.
• Installing bike route signs, 3 feet/It’s the law signs or even bike racks in their district.
• Passing Complete Streets policies and supporting Complete Streets legislation.
• Installation of on-street markings such as: bike lanes and sharrows.
• Repairing potholes and improving infrastructure
• Install speed bumps, crosswalks, sidewalks and pedestrian signals

Bike Walk Mississippi would LOVE to help you make these happen in your area.  But, remember that it is much more effective for these leaders to hear from someone within their own jurisdiction.  Let us know what we can do to partner with you on projects in your area!   Contact us at: bikewalk[at]bikewalkmississippi[dot]org