Reichert Votes to Reduce Transit, Ped and Bike Funding

(R-Auburn) has declared his support for moving a federal transporation funding bill to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives which would would eliminate the federal Safe Routes to School program and guaranteed public transporation funding, Publicola reports. 

In addition to possible effects on Metro and Sound Transit, the elimination of the Safe Routes to School program will affect pedestrian and bicycle improvements in Bellevue.

In 2009, the city of Bellevue received a grant to add sidewalks and bike lanes on 152nd Avenue Southeast near Eastgate Elementary School, which included a colorful mosaic tiles created with the help of local students. Each mosaic panel emphasizes a different pedestrian safety theme. The project was completed in 2010.

Critics have complained that placing transit funding in a general fund — subject to annual appropriation, reversing a Reagan-era policy — will effectively reduce transit funding at a time of record ridership.

In a party-line vote, Reichert joined 19 other Republicans in support of the bill, and 17 were opposed (two Republicans joined Democrats in opposition). A vote in the full House is expected later this month.