Great news for bike commuters. After seven long years, the bicycle commuter tax provision has finally passed both the House and Senate as part of the $700 billion financial bailout bill package and was signed into law by President Bush. The benefit, up to $20 per month, goes into effect in 2009. Employers may reimburse employees, tax free, for "reasonable" expenses related to their bike commute, including equipment purchases, bike purchases, repairs, and storage if the bicycle is used as a "substantial part" of the commuter's trip to work for the month. Thanks to Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Senator Ron Wyden for their years of work on this benefit.