Forget the politics, look at this!!!!
In 2020 alone, Americans voted for more than $1 billion in annual funding for projects that support bike riding. From building new protected bike lanes, trails and parks to addressing the maintenance and upkeep of our local public lands, this funding would not be possible without the vocal support of bike riders like you.
But we had some losses:
Napa County, CA – Measure K – $1,800,000 annually/$27,000,000 over 15 years – March 3 – NOT APPROVED (63% YES – 37% NO – required a two-thirds vote) A loss for bikes.
If approved, Measure K would have secured funding for the preservation of watersheds, rivers, lakes, open space and wildlife habitat and improve public access to the outdoors for the next 15 years. It was a 0.25% sales tax increase where 20% of the funds would have gone towards trails for bike riding. (And I love the cycle in the Napa Valley)In my home area:
Contra Costa County, CA – Measure J – $10,000,000 annually/$350,000,000 over 35 years – March 3 – NOT APPROVED (49% YES – 51% NO) A loss for bikes.
If approved, Measure J would have prioritized bike riding as one way to reduce overall transportation emissions and improve air quality. This initiative was a 1/2 cent sales tax increase to help fund Contra Costa’s transportation system, including the build-out of a network of safe bike routes. (This is where I learned to love cycling the trails in the county)The message: For those of you who are new to recreational biking, or more serious cycling, please keep an eye out for future ballot measures. They might support safer trails, increased safety measures, and a better environment for everyone!
Above all, keep riding! Cycle outdoors on good weather, clean air days. Use your cycling trainer or indoor cycling equipment on cold, rainy, and otherwise difficult days. You will not regret it, come Spring.
Meanwhile, stay in shape, buy a really good MIPS or Wave-Cel helmet, a flashing rear bicycle light, and a good tire pump. I hope to see you cycling through Napa Valley this year, or in Croatia in May, or even Bavaria in October.
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