Now in the final weeks before Congress renews an act to fund transportation programs, Jensen is scurrying to get the word out that citizens should contact their representatives so that lovers of the outdoors aren't forgotten during the budgeting process.

"We need to make sure bicyclists and pedestrians have equal representation and funding," Jensen said.

The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) was enacted in 1998 to provide federal funding for highways and other transit programs. The act is up for renewal at the end of this month.

Work done to the eastern section of the Los Gatos Creek Trail in years past was the result of the town securing nearly $850,000 through TEA-21 funds, Jensen said. Now, he is hoping to add pavement to a portion of the trail south of Main Street. Pavement would make the trail more accessible to people in wheelchairs and those pushing baby strollers, he said.

The suggestion of putting in new pavement has gotten mixed reactions from those who frequent that trail. While some bicyclists appeared supportive of the plan for the same reasons Jensen has proposed, others say they prefer the dirt path.

"Having it like this gives it more of a natural appearance. That's one of the reasons I like riding here," said San Jose resident Mark Holt. Holt travels to Los Gatos to ride the trail a couple times a week.

"I've seen plenty of people with strollers. It's smooth enough," he added.

Stacy Kuehnis, a track coach who grew up in Los Gatos, also favors a dirt path because it is easier on the feet, she said.

Paving the creek trail is only one example of projects TEA-21 funds could go toward, Jensen said. The money could also pay for new bike lanes, sidewalks and measures to calm traffic throughout town.

A national survey conducted by the Surface Transportation Policy Project found that the federal government spends 0.6 percent of its transportation funds on pedestrian and bicycle facilities in California and that 47 percent of all trips under one-half mile that Californians make are done by vehicle.

The study also found that 55 percent of Americans say they prefer walking to driving if possible. One-third of Americans polled said the best long-term solution to traffic congestion is to develop more walkable communities—second only to the suggestion of improving public transportation.

Last month, Jensen gathered accident data for bicyclists and pedestrians from the Los Gatos­Monte Sereno Police Department. From February 2002 to February 2003, the department received 15 reports of accidents involving cars and bicyclists or pedestrians. The two that occurred in downtown Los Gatos did not result in any injuries.

Los Gatos officials may have done a good job preventing accidents from occurring downtown, but traffic-calming measures are still needed elsewhere, Jensen said. He cited five accidents involving drivers and pedestrians that occurred at the intersection of Blossom Hill Road and Los Gatos Boulevard, with one resulting in injury.

Sidewalks are also sorely needed along Blossom Hill Road and Highway 9 from Los Gatos to Monte Sereno, he said.

By providing more opportunities to walk or bike safely, people will be encouraged to exercise more, said Jensen, who designs cardiovascular devices. Ninety percent of people with heart conditions could improve their situation by exercising, he said.

To ensure proper funding of programs, Jensen said people should contact their representatives and make sure legislators do not overlook pedestrians' needs.

Congressman Mike Honda represents California's 15th District, which includes the counties of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz. Contact the district office by calling 408.558.8085.