Funding Projects and Programs
RELATED TOPICS: Plan Development, Design and Engineering Guidance, Performance Measurement
Funding for projects and programs can be a challenge for transportation agencies, and it is often cited as a reason why more bicycling and walking projects are not implemented. However, there is significant flexibility within Federal transportation funding to support pedestrian and bicycle initiatives. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) identifies various funding opportunities across USDOT surface transportation funding programs that can be used for improvements ranging from bike racks on transit vehicles to equipment for counting pedestrians and bicyclists. State agencies are also increasingly establishing flexible funding pools to better support walking and bicycling when allocating resources.
Funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects are typically administered through government agencies and non-government sources, such as private not-for-profit groups and advocacy organizations. At any level of government, the rules and criteria used to establish agency priorities should allow bicycle and pedestrian projects to compete for funding. Non-government entities may support these efforts for a range of reasons, such as improving public health, encouraging outdoor recreation, stimulating local economies, and expanding transportation choices.
Resources
Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Opportunities lists various sources of Federal funding that can support pedestrian and bicyclist projects.
DOT Navigator provides resources to aid communities in finding and applying for grants.
DOT Discretionary Grants Dashboard serves as a tool to make it easier to search and filter for pedestrian and bicycle funding opportunities based on project, organization, and match requirements.
Technical Assistance Resources for Active Transportation offers technical assistance to support active transportation projects and programs in communities.
Ten Tips to Get a Federal Transportation Grant presents tips to help applicants create competitive applications for USDOT grants.
More Resources >
Examples
Ideas for Leveraging Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program describes the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant opportunity and provides links to comprehensive grant information and preparation resources.
Federal Grants Help Bike Projects Reconnect Communities describes bicycle infrastructure projects funded by the USDOT Reconnecting Communities Program.
The Virginia DOT SMART SCALE ensures that project allocations are distributed across different types of projects, especially those supporting bicycling and walking.
The Design-Build Push Button Contract covers rapid funding for safety projects to make quick changes without drawn-out project delivery timelines.
