Protect Funding for Alternative Transportation Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) recently issued a memo directing an agency-wide review of competitive grants to ensure all awarded projects without fully obligated funding align with the Trump administration’s Executive Orders attacking DEI and “Green New Deal” related projects. The memo also mandates a funding review for all projects prioritizing bicycle infrastructure. The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) is a major funding source for local transportation safety initiatives and one of many US DOT initiatives that will face scrutiny and potential cuts during the agency review process.

Federal funding for bicycle infrastructure projects is essential for local communities seeking to improve road safety, because bicycle infrastructure makes roads safer and more accessible. In fact, constructing bicycle lanes is one of the Federal Highway Administration’s Proven Safety Countermeasures to reduce roadway fatalities. Adding bike lanes to roads can reduce bicycle AND vehicle crashes by up to 53%.

Demand your representatives support sustained TAP funding and other alternative transportation projects to keep our roads safe for all. Additionally, encourage them to support the bipartisan Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Act (H.R. 2011/S. 944) to expand federal funding opportunities for local traffic safety initiatives.

Issue brief courtesy of the League of American Bicyclists and the Wisconsin Bike Federation