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 projects that support bicycling and walking cannot be implemented. Yet, there is a great amount of flexibility within Federal transportation funding to support pedestrian and bicycle projects. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) identifies 16 different sources of funds across USDOT surface transportation funding programs that can be used to support everything from bike racks on transit vehicles to equipment for counting pedestrians and bicyclists. State agencies are increasingly creating flexible pools of funds to support nonmotorized transportation by giving these modes greater priority when allocating resources.

Funds for bicycle and pedestrian activities 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 ensure that good bicycle and pedestrian projects compete well for funding. Non-government entities may be interested in supporting active communities for a variety of complementary reasons, including: improving health outcomes, promoting conservation efforts, stimulating economic development, providing recreational opportunities, or improving equity through transportation options.

Resources

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program
US Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Provides Federal funding to improve roadway safety.

Technical Assistance Resources for Active Transportation
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Offers technical assistance to support active transportation in communities.

DOT Discretionary Grants Dashboard
US Department of Transportation
Serves as a tool to search for and find grant opportunities based on project, organization, and match requirements.

DOT Navigator
US Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Provides resources to aid communities in finding and applying for grants.

Updated Pedestrian and Bicycle Funding Opportunities Table
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Provides an updated overview of Federal funding programs for pedestrian, bicycle, and micromobility projects.

More Resources >

 

Examples

State DOTs Transportation Alternatives Program Safe Routes to School Funding
Safe Routes Partnership
Monitors the progress of State DOTs in administering the federal Safe Routes to School program and the Transportation Alternatives Program, tracking how funds are awarded and obligated.

Federal Grants Help Bike Projects Reconnect Communities
PeopleForBikes
Describes bicycle infrastructure projects funded by the USDOT Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program.

Ideas for Leveraging Safe Streets & Roads for All Grant Program
Vision Zero Network
Describes the SS4A grant opportunity and provides links to comprehensive grant information and preparation resources.

10 Tips to Get a Federal Transportation Grant
National League of Cities
Presents tips to help applicants create competitive applications for USDOT grants.

The Virginia DOT SMART SCALE
Virginia Secretary of Transportation
Ensures that project allocations are distributed across different types of projects, especially those supporting bicycling and walking.

More Examples >