Walking and biking makes us more secure in more ways than one [post-gazette.com]

Pennsylvania must invest in active modes of transportation not only to make us healthier, but also to help protect our country

April 21, 2013 12:18 am

Transportation systems have always played a vital role in America's national security. This was the case with early infrastructure like the Forbes Road that connected Carlisle, Pa., to western outposts like Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War and to the Port of Philadelphia and its naval shipyards shortly after the nation's founding.By Dennis L. Benchoff and Michael A. Dunn

From these early investments to the development of our modern-day rail, aviation and interstate highway systems -- the latter formally known as the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways -- our state and national governments have invested in various types of transportation on the grounds of national defense.

As retired general officers of the U.S. armed forces and members of a growing effort known as Mission: Readiness, we urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to invest in a comprehensive transportation plan to ensure our nation's security. This time we are calling for the state to include investments in "active modes" of transportation.

So what does transportation funding for bicycling and walking have to do with national security?

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/walking-and-biking-makes-us-more-secure-in-more-ways-than-one-684392/#ixzz2R9ea6e6o