Cyclists rejoice, for commuting to work on two wheels may soon be worth more than pounds shed.

Legislation currently being considered by Congress, aptly titled the “Bicycle Commuter Act,” would offer those who commute to work by bike a monthly cash reimbursement of $100 and a nice tax break for those who employ them. The League of American Bicylists reports that the measure might pass within the next few months.

So why should this matter to DCist readers? The Washington metropolitan area is relatively bike-friendly, with an extensive network of bike paths including D.C.’s Capital Crescent Trail, Virginia’s Mt. Vernon Trail, and Maryland’s Anacostia Tributary Trail. D.C. itself has, to date, 12 miles of bike lanes, 50 miles of bike paths, and 64 miles of bicycles routes, with more to come, according to the 2004 Bicycle Master Plan.

Bicycling is already popular in the Washington area, and could get even more popular with such financial incentives. A 1994 survey found that there are an estimated 25,000 bike trips to or from work on a daily basis in the Washington area — a godsend for an area known for its traffic and crowded public transportation. It was these transportation-related frustrations that seemed to have motivated the 80 percent increase in bicycle commuting that occurred from 1990 to 2000.

And seriously now, $100 extra a month? That’s countless happy hours, a good deal of local shows, or, for the men, any of these gifts for a significant other.

(Photo of the bike-riding staff of Rep. Earl Blumenauer, one of Congress’ biggest bike supporters, from the League of American Bicyclists.)