From today’s issue of RoadBikeRider Newsletter:
bq. Tax deductions for the purchase of bikes and accessories may be coming. U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Personal Health Investment Today Act of 2009 (H.R. 2105) in the House of Representatives. The bill calls for deductions of up to $1,000 per year for expenses used to stay physically fit and active. Qualifying would be health club memberships, personal instruction and some equipment used for exercise, probably including bicycles. The impetus for the bill is a World Health Organization study that says a $1 investment in physical activity would reduce medical expenses by $3.20 in the U.S., and 2 out of 5 Americans would increase exercise if offered a financial incentive.
(The bike commuter in the photo is an idiot. Not only isn’t he wearing a helmet; he’s also phoning or texting while riding. He is Dutch, and the Dutch, besides being accomplished riders, are a notoriously hard-headed race. Apparently they don’t fear head injuries. Do not try this at home.)
[Hat tip to Phil Young]