US cyclists Mobilize as Potential Federal Funding Cuts Threaten Bike Infrastructure
Washington D.C. - Cyclists across the united States are being urged too contact their congressional representatives amid concerns that a forthcoming transportation bill could eliminate federal funding for bicycling and walking infrastructure through 2031. The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) issued the call to action, warning that Representative Sam Graves‘ proposed “conventional highway bill” could reverse recent gains in dedicated funding.
The potential cuts represent a notable reversal of fortune for bike path growth,which recently benefited from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That legislation created programs like the Reconnecting Communities pilot program and the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, alongside a 60% increase in Transport Alternatives funding – the largest federal source for bike path projects.
LAB argues that representative Graves “needs to hear that’s unacceptable from every Member of Congress,” and emphasizes that individual constituents hold the power to influence their representatives. “Rep.Graves answers to voters in Missouri, but your Member of Congress answers to you,” the association stated on its website.
The alarm comes as the US government has already seen $1.1 trillion in funding earmarked for bike paths and pedestrians withdrawn under President Donald Trump, despite prior commitments made during the Biden governance. In a September address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Trump stated, “If you don’t get away from this green scam, your country is going to fail.”
Cyclists and advocates fear the proposed bill could dismantle the progress made in recent years, jeopardizing safety improvements and accessibility for riders nationwide. LAB has provided a link to its action center for riders to easily contact their representatives: https://bikeleague.org/take-action/action-center/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnTFecuNUO11mMf17n3i-qQFEk3V6zidwIN3_26jA32ashSK9ELe2xh2NgLtk_aem_ZP7BcD9aWMW70HtBWKPgOQ
