Americans Demand Congress Fund Active Transportation In Next Infrastructure Bill — And Not Just The Bike/Walk Advocates

Why It Matters

Active‑transport funding promises high economic returns, safety improvements, and bipartisan public support, making it a pivotal issue for the next infrastructure bill.

Key Takeaways

• 1,100 groups demand active‑transport funding
• Transportation Alternatives Program is federal active‑transport backbone
• Active modes could boost economy to $138.5B
• 76% of Americans support safer biking infrastructure
• Bipartisan backing challenges Trump admin’s cut proposals

Pulse Analysis

The upcoming surface‑transportation reauthorization marks a rare flashpoint where traditional highway advocates clash with a broad coalition pushing for active‑transport investment. While House Republicans such as Sam Graves have framed the bill as a return to highway basics, more than 1,100 organizations—from health groups to tourism boards—have signed a letter urging Congress to protect the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Their appeal underscores a growing recognition that modern mobility cannot be limited to cars, and that a multimodal agenda now enjoys bipartisan public support, even among many Republicans.

Economically, the case for active‑transport is compelling. A 2019 analysis estimated that existing TAP projects contribute $34.1 billion annually, a figure that could soar to $138.5 billion if connectivity improves nationwide. Those returns stem from reduced congestion, lower health costs, and increased tourism dollars in small towns revitalized by bike‑friendly streets. Moreover, the letter cites that pedestrians and cyclists already represent over 20 percent of traffic‑related fatalities, highlighting safety gains that accompany investment. For policymakers, the ROI offers a clear justification for earmarking federal dollars toward sidewalks, bike lanes, and trail networks.

Looking ahead, the bipartisan pressure could reshape the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s agenda. If Congress preserves TAP funding, the next infrastructure bill may allocate a baseline $1 billion or more for active‑transport projects, aligning federal policy with the 76 percent of Americans who say safer biking would improve their communities. Conversely, the Trump administration’s stance to curtail such spending risks a political backlash that could stall broader multimodal reforms. Stakeholders are therefore urging legislators to codify active‑transport as a core component of national mobility strategy, ensuring long‑term economic and health benefits.