In response to Sen. Pat Toomey’s (R-PA) proposal to eliminate funding for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has signed on to a letter in opposition of the elimination of TAP funds. TAP funds non-motorized modes of transportation that encourage physical activity such as bike paths, on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycles facilities, sidewalks, and recreational trails.
“It’s not a coincidence that the rise in preventable chronic conditions has mirrored the rise in obesity and sedentary lifestyles,” said Bill Sells, SFIA Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs. “Stripping funding for biking & hiking trails, safe routes to school and commuter & community trails will lower activity rates at a time when we need to be increasing active lifestyles. If we really want to get our healthcare spending under control, we need to promote policies that encourage healthy behaviors not create new barriers.”
In the letter to Congress, allied organizations highlight how TAP “promotes public health and exercise in a way that reduces health care costs for individuals and insurance costs for private employers.” TAP funding accounts for two percent of the annual federal spending budget, which is $820 million in 2014.
To view the letter that will be sent on July 10th, click here.
