AAA has a world-class trail in its own backyard... funded by TE!

From: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

To: carolynlenert@msn.com

Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 9:45 AM

Subject: Video: Check out AAA's backyard, TE-funded trail!

Dear Carolyn Your Custome,

AAA Mid-Atlantic has a TE-funded trail steps from its front door, but they would deny others the same opportunity? AAA National calls for the elimination of trail programs from our transportation trust fund. even after tens of thousands speak up against this backward position? AAA needs to hear from us NOW!

We've had a lot of surprises here at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) lately. First, a good surprise: In just over two months, tens of thousands of you have signed our petition calling on AAA to support critical, established programs for walking and bicycling from our nation's transportation trust fund. Thank you!

Now, for the real shocker... AAA Mid-Atlantic-the very club that called for the elimination of Transportation Enhancements (TE) from the trust fund-has a world-class trail in its own backyard... funded by TE!

See this video we took of the trail in Wilmington, Del., that runs right up to the AAA Mid-Atlantic building.

AAA Mid-Atlantic has a sidewalk connecting its building to a world-class, TE-funded trail, so we're stunned that they would deny others the same opportunity by seeking to divorce this program from its funding source.

"But that's just the Mid-Atlantic club, right? I mean, they're the only group that's taking this stance... right?"

That's what other AAA clubs around the country have told their members. But now AAA National, which lobbies on federal issues for all AAA clubs, has adopted AAA Mid-Atlantic's stance that gas taxes should no longer fund any trail, walking, bicycling or transit projects, turning back the clock on decades of successful investments in balanced transportation options.

For AAA National to take this position right now, after so many of us have spoken up for the completely opposing viewpoint, is a huge slap in the face.

It's time to really turn up the heat! 

Please ask your friends and family to sign the petition at www.railstotrails.org/AAA. Think e-mails, Facebook, Twitter, or anything else!

Thank you so much for your tremendous support,

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

AAA is and always has been in favor of a safe, efficient, multi-modal transportation system.

WHAT AAA IS SAYING

AAA respects the work of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, but its current petition campaign wrongly characterizes AAA as actively lobbying to eliminate funding for bike paths and walkways. AAA is and always has been in favor of a safe, efficient, multi-modal transportation system.

AAA’s position on the federal transportation program and funding reforms includes support for a transportation system that:

• provides choices and multi-modal opportunities
• is affordable and accessible for all users
• facilitates personal travel needs
• preserves and maximizes the utility of the current system, and
• increases capacity to address growing congestion.
  

Help us show AAA that trail, walking and bicycling programs actually benefit everyone

The president of AAA Mid-Atlantic recently advocated for the elimination of existing federal programs that help build bicycle and pedestrian trails and sidewalks from the trust fund that finances transportation. These funds have helped create more than 19,000 miles of trails, walking and bicycling facilities across the country—likely including your favorite nearby trail. AAA encourages its members to get outdoors and explore the country—including by bicycle—so why do they support cutting programs that help their members do precisely that? If AAA’s false ideas take root, America’s transportation future —one where communities are more livable and people have safe and convenient choices for getting around—is in jeopardy. Help us show AAA that trail, walking and bicycling programs actually benefit everyone, very much including their own members! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The American Automobile Association (AAA) recently  advocated for the elimination of critical, established  programs that fund trails,walking and bicycling from the trust fund that finances transportation. AAA says it supports all types of transportation,  but that doesn't square with the above position,  which would divert money away from walking and bicycling and toward the highway system. http://support.railstotrails.org/site/PageNavigator/AAA  is the link to a petition asking for AAA to support multi-use transit.