This bill aims to make roads safer for people walking and biking by expanding what safety projects can get federal funding and by making it easier for states and cities to pay for them. It adds two new types of safety projects: linking existing bike and pedestrian paths so they connect better, and projects that reduce danger for “vulnerable road users” (like people walking or biking) when those projects come from data-driven safety plans . For these types of projects, the federal government could cover up to 100% of the cost under certain highway safety funds, removing the need for a local match .

The bill also gives states and local governments more flexible ways to cover project costs. It allows calculating the local share across a single project, a group of projects, or a whole program, and even lets some projects be fully covered by federal funds. It also lets certain highway safety funds count toward the local match if the project uses proven safety countermeasures for walkers or bikers, aligns with a state plan that focuses on vulnerable road users, or is identified through local or regional safety planning (such as Vision Zero or Complete Streets plans) .

Key points

• Who is affected: People walking and biking; state, local, Tribal, and regional transportation agencies planning safety projects .
• What changes: New eligible safety projects that connect bike/ped gaps and reduce risk for vulnerable users; federal share can be up to 100% for these; more flexible cost-sharing and the ability to use certain safety funds to meet local match requirements when tied to approved safety plans or proven countermeasures .
• When: The text does not specify an effective date in the sections provided .

Last progress March 11, 2025 (9 months ago)

Introduced on March 11, 2025 by Christopher Van Hollen