(Alert added) Vigil Held for Green Party Candidate, Natasha Pettigrew

Fox news has some nice coverage of the event (link after the fold) but I will highlight this bit:

"Henry [Natasha's mother] says she wanted the vigil to call attention to the need for more bike lanes in Prince Georges County.
It is a cause she's vowing to take to state lawmakers in Annapolis and also Congress."

Funny she should mention that as that has been one of the issues we have been covering. As far as I am aware Maryland is the ONLY State where Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) money CANNOT be spent on bike lanes. Maryland has the LOWEST spending of TE money on bike/ped projects of all the states. And before rescissions Maryland had over $20 million in non-obligated funds (money in need of projects to fund.) This is just obscene to have this kind of money available and not allowing it to address a need.

Per State Law § 2-606. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. (MBPAC)
(a) Purpose.- The Governor shall appoint a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee to provide guidance to State agencies concerning: (1) Funding of bicycle and pedestrian related programs;

So if you want to see a change for more bike lanes (or sharrows, shoulders or just wide lanes) write Chairperson Jim Swift <jks36@verizon.net>;
cc: MBPAC staff Michael Jackson <mjackson3@mdot.state.md.us>;
and your local rep (which can be found via <a href="http://mdelect.net/">http://mdelect.net/</a>; )

Fox coverage: <a href="http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/vigil-held-for-green-party-candidate,-natasha-pettigrew">http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/local/vigil-held-for-green-party-candidate,-natasha-pettigrew</a>;

MBPAC web page: <a href="http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Planning/Bicycle/MBPAC.html">http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Planning/Bicycle/MBPAC.html</a>;