With surging gas prices and Amtrak reporting record ridership in 2008, the House of Representatives passed a funding bill yesterday that will enable Amtrak to provide access for bicycles on all new rolling stock. The Bicycle Storage and Access amendment, written and negotiated by Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY), is a major step towards building an intercity bicycle-transit network that gives travelers and commuters a fast and flexible alternative to driving.

H.R. 6003 encourages the use of funds to "provide bicycle access into rolling stock and to provide bicycle racks in trains." Amtrak has long restricted bicycle access to trains, and as a result many riders drive their cars to nearby train stations. Bike access will convert many park-and-rides to bike-and-rides, saving congestion on the roadways and dollars at the pump.

"Cities across the country are competing to build the best public transit and become the most bike-friendly, but we’ve continually come up short when it comes to linking cities together," says Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "As Americans turn away from their cars because of high gas prices, this measure will combine the speed of intercity train service with the flexibility of a short bicycle ride on either end of the trip."

The Senate must pass the bill and the President must sign the measure before it becomes law.

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