Ray Lahood Announces Dramatic Change In Federal Funding Policy For Bike Projects

Ray Lahood Federal Transportation Secretary had this to say at the National Bike Summit this year.

Then Wrote this on his blog

Today, I want to announce a sea change. People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.

We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

To set this approach in motion, we have formulated key recommendations for state DOTs and communities:

* Treat walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.
* Ensure convenient access for people of all ages and abilities.
* Go beyond minimum design standards.
* Collect data on walking and biking trips.
* Set a mode share target for walking and bicycling.
* Protect sidewalks and shared-use paths the same way roadways are protected (for example, snow removal)
* Improve non-motorized facilities during maintenance projects.

Now, this is a start, but it’s an important start. These initial steps forward will help us move forward even further.

This is a huge deal, but may not have as big an impact in Mass. as it could because this state still implements federal dollars in a very messed up way.

In essence even though the federal government tells states how to allocate federal transportation dollars, Massachusetts will often disregard these suggestions and spend them the way they feel which is why we are currently 51st (behind Puerto Rico) in how we use these funds for bike and ped projects.

Lets hope these dramatic policy changes at the top will trickle down to our policy makers here.

Full Policy here, of you can read it below.

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