Invest in America Act Includes Cycling Improvements
We recently got some happy bicycle safety and infrastructure news! In the past month, the House of Representatives got to work advancing legislation that can improve bicycling. The INVEST in America Act was unveiled on June 3rd, moved through committee markup beginning on June 17th, and passed in the House of Representatives on July 1st to move on to the Senate. The bill proposes $494 billion over five years, with greater investments in biking, walking, Safe Routes to School, and transit than the status quo, plus it includes new climate programs.
There are many changes in this bill that should make bicycling better, headlined by a 60% increase in Transportation Alternatives funding that will provide $6 billion over four years for biking and walking.
The official 2020 Invest in America Bill summary lists the following among improvements that will be made as a result of this act:
Safety for All Road Users
Requires States with the highest levels of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities to set aside funds to address these safety needs. Requires the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to adopt context sensitive design principles to provide for complete streets in urban areas and ensure the safety of all road users.
Boosts safety funding by approximately 30 percent over current investments and boosts Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) investments by more than 60 percent over current law. Makes safety funds available to expend on safety improvements beyond infrastructure projects.
Removes the ability for States to set regressive safety targets. Strengthens emphasis on high risk rural roads, while providing for more certainty and flexibility for States that trigger the special rule.
Codifies and expands eligibilities for safe routes to schools.
The League of American Cyclists recently wrote an article that explains more about the act, as well as includes a chart that shows the difference between current law and what would be put into effect if the bill passes.
We love hearing news like this because it goes to show that changes can be made. Be sure to check out our advocacy toolkit for suggestions about ways you can advocate for changes in your community and state.
