AAA wants to take money away from hiking and biking trails?

Just how lame is that? Apparently, AAA is fully into the United States doing what they’ve always done and somehow expecting different results - more cars, more greenhouse gases, more money going into Saudi bank accounts - rather than looking at our national, state and local transportation problems in a more holistic way, based in current reality.

The following is from the Rails-To-Trails Conservency:

The American Automobile Association (AAA) recently advocated for the elimination of critical, established programs that fund trails, walking and bicycling from the trust fund that finances transportation. AAA says it supports all types of transportation, but that doesn’t square with the above position, which would divert money away from walking and bicycling and toward the highway system.

We know that:

… if given the choice, Americans would allocate 22 percent of transportation funds to develop and improve bicycling and walking facilities—much, much more than is currently being funded.

… drivers can be bicyclists, too—Americans sometimes drive and other times bicycle or walk to reach destinations based on which is most convenient, pleasant, healthy or affordable for a given trip.

… bicyclists also drive—they pay their fair share of taxes to support all transportation modes.

… cyclists don’t only use trails and bike lanes for pleasure trips—they also use them as healthy commuting options and safe routes to school for their children.

… when more people choose trails and bike lanes for travel, the roads are less congested and create a better transportation experience for all.

The president of AAA Mid-Atlantic recently advocated for the elimination of existing federal programs that help build bicycle and pedestrian trails and sidewalks from the trust fund that finances transportation. These funds have helped create more than 19,000 miles of trails, walking and bicycling facilities across the country—likely including your favorite nearby trail.

Tell the AAA that we value trails today!AAA encourages its members to get outdoors and explore the country—including by bicycle—so why do they support cutting programs that help their members do precisely that?

On September 1, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy President Keith Laughlin sent a letter asking this question to AAA. Robert Darbelnet, president and CEO of AAA, was quick to respond yet he did not address our central concern.

AAA Mid-Atlantic suggests that an $89 billion annual highway fund shortfall can be blamed on investments in walking and bicycling. But those investments total less than $1 billion annually and produce tremendous benefits for everyone, including drivers.

The reality is that many bicyclists drive, support AAA, pay gas taxes and want balanced transportation systems that provide the choice to get around in a variety of ways—for commuting or daily errands, or for fun and exercise.

If AAA’s false ideas take root, America’s transportation future—one where communities are more livable and people have safe and convenient choices for getting around—is in jeopardy.

Help us show AAA that trail, walking and bicycling programs actually benefit everyone, very much including their own members!

Tell the AAA that transportation is about more than autos on highways