Incredibly, the latest version of a federal new tax bill would eliminate the Bicycle Commuting Benefit.
The Bicycle Commuter Benefit was created in 2009 as a way to encourage more people to commute by bicycle — and more businesses to encourage their employees to do so.
It does so by allowing any employer to provide a reimbursement of up to $20 per month for “reasonable expenses” incurred by the employee who bikes to work.
As I wrote in the Philly Metro this morning, “It’s a pretty simple and modest benefit, a no-brainer for employers, and helps reduce the need for cities to provide street-level parking. It’s being adopted by Philadelphia employers who see the obvious benefits of such a program.”
The League of American Bicyclists has recently created a petition they plan on giving to the Senate Finance Committee, asking them to reinstate the Bicycle Commuting Benefit. You can sign the League’s petition here.
Those who live in states with a senator on the Finance Committee should also contact the Finance Committee members directly. For Pennsylvanians reading this, know that both our Senators are on the committee. Contact Senator Bob Casey at this link, and contact Senator Pat Toomey at this link.
If you live outside Pennsylvania and don’t know if your senator is on the committee, check out this link.