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The bill guarantees a minimum funding stream to expand safe active-transportation infrastructure and trails—benefiting vulnerable road users and communities—at the trade-off of reducing flexible highway/transit funds and creating potential delays and implementation challenges for some jurisdictions.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other nonmotorized users — including people with disabilities, children, and seniors — gain expanded safe active-transport infrastructure (sidewalks, bike lanes, ADA-compliant crossings) through a required minimum 5% funding set‑aside.
Communities (urban and rural) receive more funding to convert abandoned rail corridors into multiuse trails, creating new recreational and commuter routes.
Improved safe routes to public accommodations make it easier for children and older adults to reach schools, parks, and services without driving.
State and local governments and taxpayers could see reduced funding available for other highway or transit projects because at least 5% must be redirected to active-transport projects.
Redirecting funds toward the 5% set‑aside could lengthen timelines for planned large road or bridge projects, delaying benefits and creating longer periods of disruption for drivers and taxpayers.
Smaller or rural jurisdictions may struggle to meet match or administrative requirements to use the new active-transport funds, limiting their ability to access and implement projects.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to set aside at least 5% of annual funds for programs under 23 U.S.C. §§ 203 and 204 for active transportation projects like trails, pedestrian/bike safety, ADA access, and rail‑to‑trail conversions.
Introduced April 27, 2026 by Jared Huffman · Last progress April 27, 2026
Requires the Secretary of Transportation to set aside and combine at least 5% of annual funds authorized for programs under 23 U.S.C. §§ 203 and 204 to carry out active transportation projects. "Active transportation" is defined to include planning, design, and construction of on- and off-road trail facilities and pedestrian/bicycle safety infrastructure (including projects to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act), safe-route infrastructure for non-drivers, and conversion of abandoned railroad corridors to trails. The change directs a dedicated funding stream within existing federal highway program funds to boost trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, ADA access, and rail-trail conversions. State and local governments and other eligible recipients would be the primary implementers and beneficiaries, while the Department of Transportation must administer the set-aside and combine the funds for these projects.