Dear Congressman Capuano

A copy of the letter sent today to 8th District Congressional Representative Michael Capuano:

 

Congressman Capuano,

 

My name is Adam Myerson. I'm a professional cyclist and cycling coach who lives in the 8th District, in Fields Corner, Dorchester. I run a coaching business with 7 employees based in the city, with clients around the country. Additionally, I leave my home in Dorchester every day to train anywhere from 20-100 miles at a time, heading out through the city to the western suburbs and rural towns, along the Dorchester Bay beaches, or into the city.

 

I'm 40 years old this year, and the fact that I'm still racing as a professional is testimony to the value of regular exercise, especially the kind that happens accidentally or part of every day life. I'm sure, like me, you remember riding your bike in the neighborhood or to school, probably without a helmet, and enjoying every minute of it.

 

I've been overwhelmingly happy about the focus on bicycling and bicycling infrastructure in the city of Boston, and indeed, nationwide. So as you can imagine, I'm alarmed that the two primary sources of federal bike funding, Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School, are slated to be eliminated in the House's American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act.

 

I hope you'll use your position on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to preserve funding for cycling and walking in the new transportation bill. It's clear funding those items is improving the quality of life for people everywhere, at a time when increased environmental and health concerns means we need it most.

 

Thanks for your consideration.

 

Adam Myerson