On February 20, 2025, the California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) hosted its first virtual Summit Session, part of their series aimed at exploring and discussing pressing topics related to biking and walking infrastructure across California. The session, titled "Creative Approaches to Funding Active Transportation Infrastructure," attracted over 150 participants eager to learn from various panelists about innovative funding strategies for active transportation projects.
Central to the discussion was the Active Transportation Program (ATP), California's sole dedicated funding source for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Laurie Waters, Deputy Director for Traditional Programming at the California Transportation Commission (CTC), emphasized the ATP's significance but pointed out its limitations. "The Active Transportation Program is California's only dedicated funding source for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects," she said. The ATP is regularly oversubscribed, only permitting funding for the highest-scoring projects, indicating a persistent need for additional sources to fund active transportation initiatives.
Waters provided valuable insight by outlining six alternative funding programs beyond the ATP, including the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and the Local Streets and Roads Program. For each program, she detailed the amount of available funding, the competitive rates versus formula-based distributions, and examples of typical projects funded, emphasizing the potential for enhancing active transportation networks.
The discussions also highlighted the recent success of the Complete Streets Law, which is expected to bolster active transportation improvements within various projects, particularly those within the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). This legislative win indicates increasing recognition of the importance of integrated transportation systems.
Furthering the discussion, Brianne Logasa, associate planner with the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), and Marc Caswell, SGC advisor, presented on the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program. The program receives 20% of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund raised through California's Cap-and-Trade program, with grants typically starting at $10 million and capping at $15 million for transportation projects. "This funding can be used for amenities beyond sidewalks and bike lanes, including bike racks, wayfinding, and lighting," Logasa stated, illustrating how this program incentivizes projects integrating sustainable transportation with housing development, thereby combating climate change and promoting accessibility.
Omar Atayee, principal engineer with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), exemplified the real-world application of funding strategies through his presentation on the Imperial Avenue Bikeway Project. This ambitious undertaking covers more than three miles of significant urban roadway and integrates multiple funding sources, including AHSC grants. Atayee pointed out how the project aligns with the regional bike plan, facilitating connections within the broader bikeway network. "Projects like the Imperial Avenue Bikeway provide real-world examples of transformative funding opportunities," he noted, highlighting successful collaborations between various funding programs.
Joey Juhasz-Lukomski, program manager at the Shared Use Mobility Center, brought attention to the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) and Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) programs, both supported by California's Air Resources Board (CARB). These programs fund sustainable transport initiatives ranging from bikeshare programs to zero-emission transit options. Juhasz-Lukomski explained, "With grant opportunities for needs assessments and capital costs, we aim to address mobility needs and equity across different communities." Although current rounds of funding are concluded, the potential for future allocations depends on legislative support and public interest.
Overall, the Summit Session underscored the pressing need for diverse funding sources to support active transportation infrastructure throughout California. The successes highlighted during the discussions are not just victories for biking and walking advocates but represent meaningful steps toward creating more accessible and sustainable communities. With increasing engagement from various stakeholders, there remains hope for expanded funding for active transportation projects as California continues its quest for innovative solutions to modern transportation issues.
The California Bicycle Summit serves as a biennial gathering of advocates, planners, and thinkers invested in the active transportation movement, offering valuable insights and pushing forward the agenda for necessary funding mechanisms. Moving forward, it is clear the discussion won’t stop here, as California aims to explore every feasible avenue to promote and fund safe, efficient active transportation for all its residents.