Rails to Trails: Active Transportation Investment Program Factsheet

Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program Factsheet

Communities nationwide are establishing connected active-transportation networks, enhancing the safety and convenience of pedestrian, cyclist and wheelchair users. These investments crucially lower transportation-related deaths, boost local economies, expand transport options for underserved communities, and lessen greenhouse gas emissions. However, funding is limited.

To maximize the benefits of active transportation and meet safety, equity, and environmental goals, Congress has approved the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIL), 117 H.R.3684.

This Innovative Grant Program Offers:

Unique investment for communities to devise and build connected active-transportation systems.

Funding for networks that link individuals to public transportation, businesses, workplaces, schools and community centers, as well as connecting communities and regions through active transportation/trail routes.

Focus on active transportation systems planning with community input or designed to address disparities in fatalities, with a higher federal share potential in disadvantaged communities.

A rule encouraging the use of categorical exclusions, expedited procurement techniques and best practices for efficient, low-impact infrastructure construction.

The ATIIP has received $45 million so far. To fully utilize this program and meet growing local demand for safer, more accessible walking and cycling paths, it's essential to fund the program at the fully sanctioned level of $200 million in FY 2025. This funding will cater to the mobility needs of Americans in rural, suburban, and urban areas who can't drive or decide not to for at least some trips.

Investment in Connected and Safe Active-Transportation Systems is Effective

Similar to roads and rails, infrastructure for walking and cycling is most effective when safe and connected. Almost half of all trips are within a 20-minute bicycle ride, and over 20% are within a 20-minute walk. Building trails and other facilities that safely connect people to their destinations encourages more people to walk or bike, improving health, reducing congestion and supporting the economy.

The safest infrastructure for all ages and abilities is separated from car traffic, such as trails, sidewalks, and protected bike lanes. Regional active-transportation connectivity fills gaps in existing walking and biking infrastructure to ensure that people can safely travel between residences and destinations. Active transportation routes connect communities and states, essentially acting as the interstate highways of nonmotorized mobility.

Congress has demonstrated that investing in regional active-transportation systems works. The Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program provided focused investment in four different communities (Marin County, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Sheboygan County, Wisconsin; and Columbia, Missouri) of $28 million each to construct networks of nonmotorized transportation facilities. This program led to an estimated 85.1 million miles of driving converted to walking or bicycling between 2007 and 2010, while fatal bicycle and pedestrian accidents held steady or decreased in all four communities.

Take the Right Next Step: Fund ATIIP at its Authorized Level of $200 Million in FY25.

Everyone deserves access to safe ways to walk, bike, and be active outdoors.