We just got the news from local cycling advocacy group Walk+Roll that Congressman Steve LaTourette of Ohio last week added his name to a growing number of elected officials who support streets with access to all, including bicyclists. The congressman signed on to the Complete Streets Act – a bill now in Congress that would ensure that communities across America design, build and operate their roadways with all users in mind – including bicyclists, public transit users and pedestrians, as well as motorists.This is a turnaround from last spring, when Congressman LaTourette (R-OH 14) made off-the-cuff remarks jokingly suggesting that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was on drugs for thinking bicycle projects should receive substantial funding and also said “What job is going to be created by having a bike lane?” The bicycle community reacted quickly with hundreds of phone calls and e-mails to let him know how important cycling and walking are to his community and communities all over the country.
After meetings with bicycle and pedestrian advocates in Washington DC and in his northeast Ohio district (such as Walk+Roll), Congressman LaTourette agreed to become a co-sponsor of the Federal Complete Streets Act. Because he is on the prestigious House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, his opinions regarding transportation policy and infrastructure spending are important.
ClevelandBikes suggests that in appreciation of his support for cycling, you might drop Representative LaTourette a note (just so he doesn't think we only call when we're mad). Here's how to reach the Ohio and Washington offices
Painesville: 800-447-0529 or 440-352-3939
Twinsburg: 330-425-9291
Washington, DC: 202-225-5731
Also, you can leave a note via his website, here: http://latourette.house.gov/contact.aspx
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