Active Transportation Safety Act

Full Title:
Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act

Summary#

This bill changes parts of title 23 of the United States Code that deal with the highway safety improvement program. It adds two new eligible project types: (1) connecting two or more pieces of existing bicyclist or pedestrian infrastructure, and (2) projects or strategies that reduce safety risks to vulnerable road users when those projects are listed in a program of projects or strategies. The bill allows the Federal share of the cost for these projects (when paid from funds apportioned under section 104(b)(3)) to be up to 100 percent. It also updates flexible financing rules so the non-Federal share can be calculated per project, for multiple projects, or for a program, and allows certain funds used for pedestrian or bicyclist safety to count toward non-Federal shares under specified conditions. Finally, it adds Proven Safety Countermeasures for bicyclists or pedestrians to a list of items eligible for an increased Federal share.

What it means for you#

  • Local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, regional planners, and tribes can propose projects that connect sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, or other pedestrian and bicyclist facilities and may be eligible for full Federal funding when using specified funds.
  • Projects that reduce risks to pedestrians and bicyclists and that appear in approved programs or certain safety plans can qualify for higher Federal funding or crediting of funds toward non-Federal shares.
  • Recognized safety plans include pedestrian or bicyclist safety plans, Complete Streets plans, Vision Zero plans, ADA transition plans, tribal safety plans, local roadway safety plans, and several others listed in the bill.
  • Individuals who walk or bike may see more projects built or connected if local sponsors include them in eligible programs and plans.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on overall cost estimates or specific appropriations is included in the bill text. The bill does specify that certain eligible projects may receive up to 100 percent Federal funding (when paid from funds apportioned under section 104(b)(3)) and that Federal shares for some projects may be increased under existing provisions.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information on proponents' formal statements is included in the bill text or provided metadata. The bill text itself directs funding and eligibility changes intended to support projects that connect and protect bicyclists and pedestrians and identifies types of safety plans and countermeasures that qualify for higher or credited Federal shares.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' formal statements is included in the bill text or provided metadata.