Bike Lanes 12-25-25

Federal funding for bike lanes was significantly advanced by Congress with the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), creating programs like Transportation Enhancements, but ongoing funding and expansion, including major boosts from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), come from bipartisan legislative efforts, with recent focus on safety via USDOT initiatives like the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program under the Biden-Harris Administration.  

Key Milestones & Legislation:

League of American Bicyclists (1890s): Early advocacy pushed for better roads, laying groundwork for future cycling infrastructure.

1991 ISTEA: This landmark bill established the first dedicated, significant federal funding streams for walking and biking, including the Transportation Enhancements Program.

SAFETEA-LU (2005): Created the federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, a major boost for children's active transport, reports the Safe Routes Partnership.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL/IIJA, 2021): A historic investment, this law dramatically increased funding for active transportation, including bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety, directing funds towards equity, sustainability, and underserved areas, according to the Voorhees Transportation Center. 

Recent Initiatives (2021-2025):

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Secretary Buttigieg, launched new programs like Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), providing billions for local roadway safety and active transportation projects, as detailed by the Department of Transportation. 

In essence, while advocacy groups pushed for decades, Congress initiated broad federal funding, with recent administrations and legislation (like the BIL) significantly expanding and focusing these resources on safety and equity. 

Federal funding for bicycle lanes was initiated by Congress through the landmark Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) in 1991. This act established the first major dedicated sources of federal funding for bicycling and walking projects through the creation of the Transportation Enhancements Program. 

Key Details

Prior Funding Levels: In the 18 years prior to ISTEA (1973-1991), all 50 states combined spent less than $48 million in federal funds on bicycle and pedestrian projects.

ISTEA Impact: The ISTEA program provided more than $1 billion for eligible projects during its six years of authorization, a significant increase from previous spending.

Subsequent Legislation: Subsequent legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) has continued to increase and strengthen federal support for active transportation modes, including bike lanes, through programs like the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=who+initiated+federal+funding+of+bike+lanes

Comments

This Bad Idea was started in 1991 and Bike lanes are empty. Current US Infrastructure was built for cars.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader