Regional Response to Federal Funding for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects

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Research Briefs & Syntheses

Regional Response to Federal Funding for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects

July 2009
Author:
Susan L. Handy, Barbara McCann, Linda Bailey, et al.
Topic:
Transportation, Trails and Greenways, Roads and Streets, Pedestrian Facilities, Bike Facilities, Traffic Safety
Population Served:
Unspecified
Location by State:
National
Link to Report
Summary:

The Challenge: Investing in bicycle and pedestrian projects is an important strategy for increasing physical activity and promoting health among all Americans. The impact of federal funding for such projects largely depends on state and regional policy.

Make an Impact: Learn about the most effective ways to use federal transportation funds for projects that will help people walk and bike to work, school and other destinations.

What the findings are about: This report examines how and to what extent regions across the country have used federal transportation funding to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.  It includes case studies from Sacramento, CA and Baltimore, MD, and shows how various investments impact bicycling and walking.

Key Findings and Recommendations:
  • There is wide variation in regional spending: Among the 50 largest metropolitan areas, the five top-spending regions invested almost seven times as much per capita as the five lowest spenders.
  • Use of federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is more likely to occur in places with stronger regional control over federal funds, dedicated bicycle and pedestrian staff and access to federal air quality funds.
  • Local governments should ensure they can measure the air-quality benefits of non-motorized projects to qualify for air-quality funding.
  • States, metropolitan planning organizations and local governments should encourage public involvement in the planning process for bicycle and pedestrian projects.
  • States and regions should create their own programs that tie funding to local planning goals.
Suggested Citations:
Handy S, McCann B, Bailey L, et al. The Regional Response to Federal Funding for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Research Report UCD-ITS-RR-09-15. 2009. Available online at http://pubs.its.ucdavis.edu/publication_detail.php?id=1304.
 

Related Tools & Resources

All Tools & Resources

Increasing Walking and Bicycling with Federal Funding Programs and State, Regional and Local Policies
Document Type: Project Profile
Topics:
Transportation, Pedestrian Facilities, Bike Facilities

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