Bike Walk CT Letter to Gov on Integrating Bike Commute Facilities with Agency Consolidations in Hartford

March 11, 2013

Governor Dannel P. Malloy
State Capitol
210 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06106

Re: Incorporating Bike Commuting Plans in Hartford Consolidation Efforts

Dear Governor Malloy:

Bike Walk Connecticut was delighted to read the news that more state government agencies will be consolidated in new Hartford locations.  This will put more “feet on the street” and enliven and reinvigorate our capitol city.

With discussions underway to plan for employee parking needs and purchase the Morgan Street garage, this is an opportune time to plan for bike commuting facilities (see http://bikeandpark.com/ for good ideas). 

Not only is there an inverse relationship between parking costs borne by the employer and its ranks of bike commuters (and transit users), this consolidation presents an opportunity for Connecticut state government to lead the way in reducing vehicle miles traveled for commuting purposes—an important step in addressing climate change.  Further, promoting bike commuting would be a significant step in the right direction for our public health agenda.

Ultimately, we hope to work with you, as an outgrowth of Bike to Work Day on May 17, to encourage all branches of state government to adopt full-fledged bike commuting programs for employees.  And why not?  The right leadership is in place.  The time is right. 

Please call on us any time we can be of assistance in promoting policies to assure bikeable, walkable communities throughout Connecticut. 

Sincerely,


Kelly Kennedy, Executive Director
Bike Walk Connecticut

cc: 
Donald DeFronzo, Commissioner of Administrative Services
Martin Anderson, Ph.D., Deputy Commissioner of Administrative Services
Daniel Esty, Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection
Jewell Mullen, Commissioner of Public Health
James Redeker, Commissioner of Transportation