If you’d like some letter language to send to Rep. Beyer, here’s an example:
Dear Representative Beyer,
Thank you for your leadership in helping our City, and communities around the country, confront
the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19.
We write today to request that you extend the Commuter Tax Benefit to cover commuters’
use of bicycles, e-bikes and bikeshare by Co-sponsoring the Bicycle Commuter Act (HR 1507).
This important piece of legislation allows commuters to exercise a pre-tax benefit to cover the
cost of a commute to work by bicycle, and gives those commuters flexibility in applying the
Commuter Tax Benefit to multiple modes.
In cities across the globe emerging from COVID-19, there has been a slow return to transit, and a
quick return (and even growth) in private car travel. 1 If we do not take decisive action to
incentivize our citizens to return to sustainable, efficient modes of transportation as they return to
work, we will face unprecedented levels of congestion on our streets and roadways. The
resulting loss in productivity and economic activity would hamper the already grueling recovery
ahead.
Bicycling, by contrast, is among the most efficient modes of transportation available. Tens of
thousands of residents now commute by private bicycle or bikeshare, freeing up space on our
roadways and relieving pressure on our transit system. These efficiencies will only become more
important as we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, and space on our streets become an even
more precious resource. The Bicycle Benefit Act will provide a helpful nudge to residents to
choose efficient, socially-distant forms of transportation as they return to work.
As you are well aware, our residents are facing profound economic insecurity as a result of
COVID-19. Even among those lucky enough to keep their jobs, many are dealing with pay cuts or
other financial pressures on their personal budgets. This pain is particularly acute for our low-
income residents, for whom transportation is the second largest household expense, after
housing. Extending the Commuter Tax Benefit to bicycles and bikeshare will help residents
weather the immediate financial insecurity of the COVID-19 crisis while creating long-term
savings to see them through the long recovery ahead.
We appreciate your consideration of this matter – please do not hesitate to reach out with any
questions.
Sincerely,
.
