PLEASE ACT TODAY. Virginia Senate and House committees are finalizing their respective budgets, with interim deadlines coming February 5th and 9th. Three multi-use trail budget amendments have been submitted. While these specific trail projects are in two parts of the Commonwealth, they will complement the statewide trails budget from the previous two legislative sessions and help spread the funding around Virginia.

Please contact your delegate about the importance of funding Multi-use Trail budget amendments. You can take action as described below or use this easy pre-drafted email action by clicking-through here: bit.ly/va-trail-funds-23

We are also excited about a budget amendment in the Senate – Item 452 #8s to update the 12-year-old State Bicycle Plan –  it should not require additional advocacy at this time. 

TAKE ACTION:  CALL OR SEND AN EMAIL TODAY asking your Delegate to support these budget amendments: 

  • Item 452 #10h: $20.0 million for completion of the South Hampton Roads Trail and the Birthplace of America Trail 
  • Item 452 #15h: $6.4 million for completion of the Appomattox River Trail through Chesterfield County, Dinwiddie County, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Prince George County, and Hopewell
  • Identify yourself as someone who bikes and lives in their district; include your full address. Include any organizations you represent.
  • Ask your Delegate to support funding to complete the South Hampton Roads Trail, the Birthplace of America Trail, and the Appomattox River Trail 
  • A short personal message works best; use any of the talking points below, as desired.
  • The importance of safe places to walk and bike has recently come into dramatic focus:
    • Use of existing trails like the Virginia Capital Trail increased by as much as 300%
    • Virginians have shown that they want and need more options to recreate and choose active transportation.
  • Outdoor recreation has always been an important part of Virginia’s economy with $29.1 billion dollars of annual consumer spending. 
  • Investments in trail infrastructure across Virginia brings jobs and economic development, promote health, and connect communities. A University of Massachusetts study found that multi-use trails provide 9.6 local jobs per $1 million spent, approximately 20% more than traditional road projects.

You can look up your delegate and their phone number and email here. 

PLEASE ACT TODAY!

Thanks for your help in advocating for safer cycling for all.

Jim
Jim Durham, 703-508-0762
Advocacy Committee Chair, Virginia Bicycling Federation