In a previous post, an agenda item for the 2009 Bicycle Leadership Conference is "The U.S. Political Situation - How the new administration will effect the bicycle industry. Updates on DC advocacy efforts."
Well we won't necessarily have to wait till a new administration is installed to know that a bicycle commuter tax credit is now available from the US government because of the enactment of the $700 billion rescue package.
Rep. Earl "Bike Man" Blumenauer of Portland put forth the key piece of legislation last year. In the Bike Commuter Act, section 132(f) of the IRS code of 1986 would be amended to include "bicycles" in the definition of transportation covered by the qualified transportation fringe benefit.Although Blumenauer may have wanted this legislation to be considered as a stand alone proposal, the Act (as hundreds of others were) was attached to the recent rescue package that was signed into law. Blumenauer did not; however, vote in the affirmative for the overall bill.
So what does this mean for you? Time and money will tell, as commuters may request a credit but the logistics and amount of credit is uncertain at this point.
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Crossing the Nation
Although a few road races remain on the schedule, the cross season in many areas is already well underway. To participate or to spectate, check out some of the races listed below.
10/07/2008- 10/10/2008
Huntsman World Senior Games-ROAD
St George, UT Hill
10/11/2008
Java Johnny's - Lionhearts Cyclocross
Middletown, OH
Richmond Festival of Cross
Richmond, VA
Iron Cross Lite
Gardners, PA
San Jose Gran Prix-Ed Steffani Memorial
Hellyer Park, CA
10/12/2008
Urban Cyclocross Series
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Bio Wheels/United Dairy Farmers UCI Cyclo Cross
Fairfield, OH
Psycho Cross 2008
Hawthorn Woods, IL
For results and photos of some of the races above, click through to Truesport.com.
Over the Barrier
For upcoming cross races in and around specific areas of the country, consult the listings below.
10/18/2008
San Diego Velodrome Cyclocross
San Diego, CA
10/19/2008
Wissahickon Cross
Ludwigs Corner, PA
Bay Area Super Prestige Series #1-McLaren Park
San Francisco, CA
Storm the Beach Cyclocross
Fullerton, CA
Carpenter Park Cyclocross
Carpentersville, IL
Cary Cyclocross Race
Cary, NC
Orrville Cross
Orrville, OH
Even more from Interbike
Be on the lookout for more stories, reviews, photos and race write-ups from Interbike in the next few days. Enjoy the weekend!
Photo: T. C. Worley for The New York Times
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