Transportation Alternatives: T.A. Magazine Article: Your AAA Membership At Work

May/June 1997, p.7

Your AAA Membership At Work

The American Automobile Association (an organization that many Americans, including T.A. members, belong to and imagine is simply a provider of maps and road side services) is working hard to eliminate Federal funding for bicyclists and pedestrians. According to the Tri- State Transportation Campaign's Mobilizing the Region, AAA is running a disinformation campaign. While claiming that Federal spending on transportation "enhancements" (a category mainly used for bike/ped projects) is diverting money from motorist safety and is a "luxury," AAA fails to mention that less than 1% of Federal surface transportation funds are used for non- motorized travelers. About 50% of Federal highway dollars are used for highway expansions. AAA's claims are especially hard to stomach given that 15-20% of U.S. traffic fatalities are walkers and cyclists while virtually all Federal safety spending is dedicated to motorists.

Locally, AAA has actively obstructed T.A. traffic calming and auto-reduction proposals, opposed legislation allowing cities and towns to set their own minimum speed limits and ranted against NYC bridge tolls that support public transit. Still proud to call yourself a member?

Write/fax AAA NY and tell them to start supporting funding for bicycling, walking and public transit.

AAA
1415 Kellum Place
Garden City,
Long Island 11530
Fax:516-873-2355

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