Feds to pay cyclists

The Chic Cyclist just alerted us all to the inclusion of commuting reimbursements for cyclists in the recently passed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. Section 211, pages 205-06. AND the Associated Press reports that it made the final cut! So YEAH - let's celebrate. We have progress and an even greater incentive to ride our bikes... more cash in our pockets! Cyclists can get reimbursed up to $240 a year for "reasonable expenses incurred by the employee during such calendar year for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment." However there is a catch. We won't be reimbursed directly. Instead, our employers must seek reimbursement on our behalf. In other words, employers must first work within the government's guidelines to develop a reimbursement plan, pay us, and then endeavor to get reimbursed by the government. So get on the horn, tell your employers, and help them get a plan together. Not only will the get reimbursed but they will also get tax exemptions. Good for them. Good for us. YEEHAW. We're getting PAID to ride our bikes. What a beautiful thing.