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Bicycle Commuter Act Passes Congress

Written by Tyler Benedict
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…now it awaits Bush’s signature.

After seven long years, the bicycle commuter tax provision has finally passed both the House and Senate as part of the financial bailout package. President Bush has said that he is eager to sign the legislation. “We are delighted that the bicycle commuter benefits act has passed after a lengthy and persistent campaign spearheaded by Congressman Blumenauer (D-OR),” said League President Andy Clarke. “Bicycle commuters will now be extended similar benefits to people who take transit and drive to work – it’s an equitable and sensible incentive to encourage greater energy independence, improve air quality and health, and even help tackle climate change. Thanks to everyone who has helped reach this milestone, especially Walter Finch and Mele Williams, our government relations staff over the years who have worked tirelessly with Congressman Blumenauer, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and many others in Congress.”

Thanks also to all of you around the country who have contacted your congressional leaders over the years. Keep checking back at http://www.bikeleague.org as we work on the implementation process.
Tyler Benedict
11,281 articles

Tyler Benedict is the Founder of Bikerumor.com, where he’s been writing about the latest bikes, components, and cycling technology for almost two decades. Prior to that, Tyler launched and built multiple sports nutrition brands and consumer goods companies, mostly as an excuse to travel and ride in new places.

Based in North Carolina, Tyler also loves the Vanlife & family adventure travel and is always on the lookout for the next shiny new part and off-grid adventure.

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Ron
Ron
16 years ago

Tyler,

The provision for extending benefits is good, however, its still upon the company a person works in to decide whether they want to comply. When I spoke to my HR rep about it, this is what they said :

“We have elected not to participate in any parking or transportation allowances under IRC 132(f).”

Bummer.

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Justin
Justin
16 years ago

From what I have seen this thing equates to $20 a month for the bicycle commuter (if your employer participates). I am not a nutritionist, but I would guess that your grocery bill will increase by that much if you live more than 5 miles from work! No god fearing ‘Merican is going to be motivated to commute by bike for such a pittance. Sad.

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Tyler Benedict
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Tyler Benedict
16 years ago

I got this via email from James Good (jgood@jamesegoodcpa.com):

It seems as if you can get credit for up to $240 for expenses occurred while commuting on your bicycle.

1) QUALIFIED BICYCLE COMMUTING REIMBURSEMENT- The term `qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement’ means, with respect to any calendar year, any employer reimbursement during the 15-month period beginning with the first day of such calendar 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.

2) APPLICABLE ANNUAL LIMITATION- The term `applicable annual limitation’ means, with respect to any employee for any calendar year, the product of $20 multiplied by the number of qualified bicycle commuting months during such year.

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