Biking may soon be tax-deductible
From today’s issue of RoadBikeRider Newsletter:
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]
Comments
Is the biker actually moving? Its hard to tell from the picture, he could just be standing on his bike, getting ready to head off somewhere, and checking his pda before doing so.
Posted by: Rich C | May 28, 2009 04:45 PM
Speaking of political scientists and riding bikes stupidly, Jon Bendor once pulled me over and gave me a fierce scolding for riding my bike around the Stanford campus without a helmet. It didn’t change my behavior, but it has encouraged me to keep an eye out for him whenever I’m biking…
Posted by: Paul Gowder | May 28, 2009 06:29 PM
Rich:
Unless that guy is extraordinarily tall from knee to foot, he looks to be riding, not standing.
Posted by: Lee Sigelman | May 28, 2009 06:59 PM
A deduction of $1,000 would result in what bottom line tax savings? Depends upon tax bracket.
Posted by: Shag from Brookline | May 29, 2009 06:58 AM
I wonder if I can get a tax break from all the dog walking I do?
Posted by: nickg | May 29, 2009 09:15 AM
Oh, come on, what’s the big deal with this pic. He doesn’t even have a kid on the back and front of his bike.
Posted by: Erik | May 29, 2009 11:19 AM
Readers:
Consider the source of the last comment: Dutch.
Posted by: Lee Sigelman | May 29, 2009 11:39 AM