Urgency is an Understatement

The recent US DOT review will identify those that included climate activities, DEI activities, gender activities, environmental justice activities, and more as a rationale for the project. This review extends to discretionary funds awarded between FY22 and FY 25. Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects already underway will still be under the microscope.

The memo outlines a process to identify projects that should have funding slashed or eliminated. Programs including the activities listed above are the focus. Funding awarded under these criteria is then subject to further review. Identified projects containing language listed above may receive recommendations for preserving, modifying or canceling funding. USDOT staff will work with project sponsors to implement modifications and/or cancelations of projects meeting these criteria. Project sponsors who do not agree to proposed modifications will have their award reduced or rescinded.

There’s no good way to frame this. Our projects are threatened. As we know, projects can take years to plan and are often completed in different phases. Even if your local project has begun, it could potentially lose funding for remaining phases.

All of us must write or email our elected officials to raise their awareness of how pedestrian and cycling infrastructure supports the goals of promoting safety and economic development. This memo makes it clear that existing grants are at great risk and suggests the department is unlikely to make awards for bicycling infrastructure in future rounds of discretionary funding. We need to express the importance of these projects, and we know firsthand the power of our voices.

Here are two things you can do now:

1. There are two online petitions that you can sign now. The first is from Rails to Trails Conservancy, and the second is from the League of American Bicyclists.
2. Use these online tools to find and email your federal representatives in the House and the Senate, write or call your legislator’s office directly.