Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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

Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 9:45 AM
Subject: Video: Check out AAA's backyard, TE-funded trail!


AAA banner
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