MAP-21, the new federal transportation law, takes effect on October 1st. The law reduces funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure by 31% in New York State. A large amount of money for such investments, however, remains available. NYBC conservatively estimates that $100 Million is available for bicycle and pedestrian projects from MAP-21 and also from a large pot of money left over from existing, unspent federal funds.
NYBC is helping to lead the campaign to protect bicycle and pedestrian safety in your community!
On September 14th, several organizations from around New York State met to affirm that $100 million is a terrible thing to waste. Groups represented alternative transportation, environmental interests, retired peoples, health organizations, and smart growth proponents from Long Island toBuffalo. What all of these organizations have in common is a desire to improve NYS communities through healthy transportation options.
The Campaign fights to ensure that funds allocated for bicycle and pedestrian projects in New York State are spent in the way that Congress decreed. MAP 21,as well as the older legislation that will expire on October 1st, allocated tens of millions of dollars for bike and pedestrian projects. Unfortunately, large portions of these funds may be diverted to other uses or even sent back toWashingtonD.C..
Would your community benefit from bicycle lanes? Or more sidewalks? Bike parking? Multi-use trails? The Campaign fights for dollars available to fund these projects. We all benefit from safe, well-designed complete-streets that creates jobs, improve economic vitality, improve family finances and improve health. With $100 million in hand, New York State is at an exciting crossroads with one path a green, healthy trail and the other a smoggy, traffic-jammed highway. It’s up to us to decide which one leads to our future.
To learn more about the Campaign please contact Brian Kehoe at brian@nybc.net