Where does federal funding for bicycle projects come from anyway?

June 18, 6:11 AMBicycle Transportation ExaminerAdam Voiland

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(Credit: Tracy O)

There's a common perception that funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects comes just from local and state revenue streams. Although local funding is certainly important, it's no longer the only game in town. Since 1990, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has followed a new transportation strategy that has sought to increase the number of people walking and bicycling. Between 1992 and 2004, the federal government spent $3.17 billion on 10,012 pedestrian or bicycle projects, according to a recently published analysis led by a researcher from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Where does all that money actually come from? The bulk of it funnels through the federal Department of Transportation via an agency called the Federal Highway Administration.  Although the Federal Highway Administration has focused historically on funding highways, DOT's major shift in strategy in 1990 resulted in a marked move toward a more multi-modal approach, according to the authors of the new analysis. 

Money from the Federal Highway Administration budget comes largely from fuel and motor vehicle excise taxes. About every 7 years, the US Congress passes transportation bills that authorize the use of these funds for various Federal Highway Administration programs. (We're due, in fact, for the passage of a new transportation bill this year).

A number of Federal Highway Administration programs divert money toward bicycle and pedestrian projects. The Surface Transportation Program, which provides flexible funding for a variety of different projects, is the largest of them. The Transportation Enhancements Program provides funding for improvements in bike facilities, safety and education programs, and the preservation of abandoned rail trails. Areas with poor air quality can get money for bicycle projects through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program. The Recreational Trails Program, though smaller, also funds bicycle-related projects. Finally, members of Congress can earmark money for specific programs.

Between 1992-2004, most projects—73 percent—were funded through the Transportation Enhancements Program.  Eight percent where funded through the Surface Transportation program, 7 percent through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, 4 percent through the Recreational Trails Program, and 7 percent through various other programs.

The Highway Trust Fund will be empty by August, so Congress is in the process of gearing up to attempt passage of a new transportation bill. Reuters has a report on a sweeping early draft of the bill being pushed by James Oberstar.  Oberstar's bill would fundamentally remake federal transportation programs, the AP reports, with a new emphasis on connecting different modes of transportation—highways, subways, rail, and bikes—so they work as a single system. Elana Schor is following developments closely at Streetsblog Capitol Hill. This blog will continue to keep an eye on what national politicians are saying about bicycle infrastructure through its Politicycle feature as the process moves forward.  

For more on DC Bicycle Transportation Issues you can follow me on Twitter at dcbikeexaminer.