SAFETEA-LU—The 2005 Federal Transportation Law

SAFETEA-LU stands for Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. It’s the federal transportation law approved in August 2005. The name is a bit of a mouthful, but the act’s support for bicycling will be highlighted in history books.

Bikes Belong was originally formed to pursue federal transportation funding for bicycle facilities and programs. Financed by supplier and retailer membership dues, we provided $1 million for a coordinated lobbying effort that yielded billions of dollars for bicycle facilities and programs.

SAFETEA-LU authorized a record-breaking $4.5 billion for bicycling and walking. This increased amount—$2 billion more than the previous law—is a testament to the power of the bicycle industry when we work together and collaborate with bicycle advocacy organizations toward a common goal.

Bicycling scored big

Here’s an overview of what SAFETEA-LU includes for bicycling:

Transportation Enhancements – $2.5 billion was authorized for new bike paths, lanes, and safe crossings. Click here to see what Transportation Enhancements funding has supported so far.

A New National Safe Routes to School Program – $612 million to help communities create safe ways for kids to pedal and walk to school. Click here to see how Bikes Belong is helping shape national Safe Routes to School efforts.

A New Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program – $100 million to develop model bicycle/pedestrian communities in Columbia, Missouri; Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Marin County, California; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click here to read about a research project we’re funding to measure the effects of these pilot projects.

High-Priority Projects – $1 billion in guaranteed funding for high-priority projects that benefit bicycling.

Recreational Trails Program – $350 million for construction and repair of dirt trails.

There’s more work to do

Now that these federal dollars are authorized for bicycling, we must ensure they are spent—and spent effectively. Between now and 2009, advocates, local government agencies, and community groups will work together to secure the money and put it towards projects that will make bicycling better in America.

Bikes Belong is committed to assisting this effort by making strategic community grants to projects that leverage federal funding. In addition, we have provided financial support to national groups that are helping communities access federal funds earmarked for bicycling.