Getting Started on Active Transportation

Improve Safety for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

• State legislators can introduce transportation legislation that dedicates funding streams toward projects that would increase pedestrians’ and bicyclists’ safety. State and local bicycling and walking projects are eligible for funding under nearly all federal transportation programs. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the federal surface transportation legislation, promotes the integration of bicycling and walking with transportation systems. Under this bill, states may be required to match a percentage—typically 20 percent—of federal financial assistance. States can generate funds from the motor vehicle fuel tax, motor vehicle registration fees, taxes or special license plate sales.
• Local policy-makers and school district decision-makers can collaborate with community partners, such as city planners and health officials, to identify streets or improve multi-use pathways that would result in increased bicyclist and pedestrian use.
• Local governments can conduct a walkability audit to identify places for improvement and assess the degree to which their community enables active living. They can also use geographic information system mapping to determine safe routes to school or improvements to sidewalks, bicycle lanes, trails and street connectivity.
• Local school and policy-makers can begin developing Safe Routes to School programs by working with parent organizations, students, school administrators and teachers, local law enforcement, city planners, health officials and other stakeholders to identify barriers that make it difficult for students to travel to school safely. Please note that the federal Safe Routes to School program provides 100 percent of funding for projects to states without requiring states to match the funding stream.

Expand Trails, Bicycle Lanes and Connections



• State and local policy-makers can re-evaluate comprehensive plans and develop a bicycle master plan to identify ways to expand trails and connections. They also can integrate the connection of paths, sidewalks, trails, services and facilities into broader transportation planning.
• Local policy-makers can call for the use of geographic information systems to determine land-use trends and walkability characteristics, such as street connectivity and sidewalks.
• Local policy-makers can partner with health officials to ensure that comprehensive plans incorporate physical activity opportunities.
• State and local policy-makers also can order a health impact assessment.
• State and local policy-makers can access federal funding for bikeways and trails through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation, Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) programs, such as the Transportation Enhancement Program.
• State and local policy-makers can consider methods for land acquisition, easements and partnerships with conservation groups—all of which would facilitate the development of open spaces.