This photo journal was originally posted in 2018, but we’re re-sharing this train/bike travelogue in celebration of National Train Day!

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to represent the League of American Bicyclists at Bike Expo New York in support the Five Boro Bike Tour.

The Five Boro Bike Tour is an incredible event where roughly 32,000 bicyclists get to experience all five boroughs of New York City without cars. It is the major event for Bike New York – home to Rich Conroy, the 2018 Gail and Jim Spann Educator of the Year, and Ken Podziba, former Chair of the League’s Board of Directors and current Director Emeritus.

It was great to meet hundreds of people over two days who were excited to ride through New York City in streets free of motor vehicles.

In honor of the car-free nature of the event, the entirety of my over 225-mile journey from the League’s office in Washington, DC to the Expo in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York was made by bike and train.

This quick photo journal shows how I made the trip to NYC and back car-free: At the League office – loaded up with everything needed for our booth at Bike Expo New York.

On Amtrak. Many routes now allow you to take bikes on board without using a bike box. For this train, the Vermonter, there were eight bike spots available with one bike that could be hung up per train car.

 

Arriving at Bike Expo New York after the 8.5-mile journey from Penn Station.

Pro-tip: Use the Manhattan Bridge to avoid crowds.

Strava route map – because I knew I wanted these miles counted for the National Bike Challenge!

 

The League booth – all set up and ready to go for Bike Expo New York! We had about ten volunteers come out and help support the booth.

Thank you to Karin Weisburgh (a League Board member), Lois Joyce, Claire Modas, Lee Uehara, Stephen Greenberg, Stave Dedalto, Boris Leonardini, and Brent Knudson who volunteered their time to help at the booth!

 

Glamour shot after dropping off the booth and leaving the trailer. Thank you to Bike New York and everyone who took part in the Five Boro Bike Tour!

Unfortunately, I didn’t get pictures of my trip back — with a much lighter trailer. I had a great time talking to people about the League of American Bicyclists and we got some great support from our volunteers and visitors to the Expo!

For more information about train travel by bike, explore the following resources and stories:

Amtrak / Bring Your Bike Onboard

Amtrak / Amtrak Expands Carry-on Bike Program

Adventure Cycling / How to Travel with Your Bike on Amtrak

Adventure Cycling / Interactive Network Map

League of American Bicyclists / Welcoming Bikes on Trains

East Coast Greenway / Train-ing ride: River Relay Cyclists Navigate Amtrak and Rail with Bikes

Bike Coalition of Philadelphia / I Took My Bike on Amtrak

Streetsblog / Amtrak Allows Bikes on More Trains Throughout New England

Streetsblog / Opinion: Amtrak’s Patchwork Policies Could be Deterring the Most-Obvious Riders — Cyclists

bikabout / Take your Bike on Amtrak

Bike the Katy Trail / Riding Amtrak Along the Katy Trail

Why We Ride / Biking by Train: A Week in the Pacific Northwest

Bikecentennial Route 76 / A History of Bikes & Trains in Virginia

The post Bike/Train Travelogue: Car-Free at Bike Expo New York appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

This guest post was written by Joshua from the National Youth Bike Council.

The latest movement started by post-secondary students has an unorthodox approach: on-campus bicycle programs, offering DIY repair space, repair services, or bike rentals. Imagine a dedicated space on campus that is open to students in the afternoon with a free set of tools to crank on bicycles together. Imagine dedicated bicycle rentals for students to borrow for a week or a semester, with a set of free DIY tools located at the rental station. Many campuses now have vibrant, bicycle-centered spaces that build community while encouraging students to get out and ride.

Campus bike projects create connections

As culture wars and diversity of opinion have become more polarizing, some young people have turned to bicycling groups to kindle meaningful friendships amid exams, school schedules, practicums, and more. Others discover on-campus bicycling groups when they see a group of their peers cycling down a campus roadway, smiling, and having fun. 

At first, bicycle repair seems very niche. But when taking into account the larger picture of the college student experience, bicycle repair makes a lot of sense. College campuses are often designed to prioritize walkability and facilitate easy access to classes, libraries, food, and other amenities. This is why bicycling has been able to satisfy the needs of students who have a desire to renew their connection with nature, get across campus in a short amount of time, or find new social groups. It’s also a way to explore off-campus options in a more convenient way and provides autonomy. 

We found several examples of student-initiated movements, ranging from some that had been around for 10 years or more to those that had just started this year, in 2025. 

Meet the students who keep the wheels turning

Meet Allan of Brandeis University, Kenedy and Hosea from Tartan Bike Project, and McTzviel of Orange Bike Project.

Allan on the left, Hosea and Kenedy in the middle, and McTzviel on the right

Tartan Bike Project is a new initiative currently being led by Kenedy and Hosea, working closely with administrative staff at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to bring their first-ever student-led bicycle project to life. For Brandeis University out of Waltham, Massachusetts, Allan F. has initiated the soon-to-be bicycle library, Brandeis Bikes, a reincarnation of the old DeisBikes that used to exist at the school. Lastly, Orange Bike Project of Austin, Texas, a student-led bicycle repair shop, has been running since 2008. It is fully operational with afternoon hours, and some of the original alumni are still hanging around. 

Each project was a student-initiated endeavor that sought to do the same thing: connect students on campus with reliable bicycle resources and a tool to access off-campus activities. 

How to start a college bike project

“Be stubborn, know what you want, and have a good idea of what that looks like,” said Kenedy when we asked what it takes to start a college bike project. Although the Tartan Bike Project is the newest, it has helpful experience to share. Kenedy used to attend the University of Texas, where she was introduced to the Orange Bike Project after she got a bike. When Kenedy got to Pittsburgh, she met Hosea, who helped her raise over $20,000 to start the Tartan Bike Project and advocated beyond that for space on campus to be allocated for a bike shop similar to the one run by the Orange Bike Project in Texas.

The Orange Bike Project has been on the UT campus for many years, consistently serving students. “The project gives a lot, but the project also takes a lot — so have resiliency and patience” was McTzviel’s advice to anyone wanting to start a similar endeavor, emphasizing the logistics involved with sustaining a long-term initiative. 

Allan F. shared a similar lesson after Brandeis University rejected his initial proposal late last year: “It showed me where the gaps were and how to strengthen the proposal,” he said. Creating a bike project is a different kind of academic endurance that requires a strong sense of purpose, a clear vision, and a willingness to adapt. 

Essentials to start a College Bicycle program with Tatiana from Georgia Tech

Hear from Tatiana, former president of Starter Bikes at a Bicycle Friendly University, as she breaks down the essential resources you need to start or sustain a bike program on your campus. From sourcing tools and parts to securing space and allies, she’ll share practical tips and lessons learned from running a thriving student-led bike shop at Georgia Tech. Perfect for anyone looking to jump-start campus cycling programs or level up what’s already rolling. Sign up here »

Know Your Whys

Each bike project leader said it’s worth the effort to create these social groups because they live on even after the founders graduate. McTzviel joked that, “Sometimes you have to remind yourself that you are there for school,” not just hanging out with friends and creating a physical space for students to gather and work on bicycles. 

A bicycle repair location is a hub for student engagement around an essential service students need.

For students like Allan, Hosea, Kenedy, and McTzviel, spending time working on their bike projects was the equivalent of a real-world practicum. It gave them the opportunity to leave a lasting mark and serve the needs of future students. They gained lots of skills that are relevant to the post-college world, like writing proposals, time management, building a team, working as a team, and project management. It was a crash course on entrepreneurship and business management. 

Student leaders looking to start a bike project usually need some inspiration. They can turn to the Youth-Bike Hub (YB Hub), another youth-led initiative, started by the National Youth Bike Council. YB Hub aims to create a more collaborative, environmentally sustainable, and connected world by empowering bicycle projects for or started by youth. The YB Hub is a newsletter that lifts up youth-bike initiatives happening around the country and leads quarterly calls between these groups. It’s a great way to connect with bike projects on different college campuses. Join the YB Hub newsletter if you are interested in starting or hearing from a college bike project.

More help to set up a campus bike program

Tatiana from Georgia Tech is offering a webinar, Essentials to start a College Bicycle Program, to provide information and answer questions on July 14 at 11:30 a.m. ET. Join the webinar on Zoom with this link. 

During the webinar, Tatiana, the former president of Starter Bikes at a Bicycle Friendly University, will break down the essential resources you need to start or sustain a bike program on your campus. From sourcing tools and parts to securing space and allies, she’ll share practical tips and lessons learned from running a thriving student-led bike shop at Georgia Tech.

The National Youth Bike Council is also developing a guide to assist students in launching campus bike projects. Students don’t need to start from scratch; there are lots of resources and support available.

The post NYBC: Bicycle Programs Are the New Student Movement appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

Washington, D.C. — As the nation prepares for Bike to Work Week, the League of American Bicyclists is proud to announce the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) awards, recognizing employers who are going above and beyond to encourage employees and customers to experience the joy of biking. In this round, 68 new and renewing awardees join the growing network of more than 1,200 Bicycle Friendly Businesses across the country.

“During Bike to Work Week, we celebrate the businesses making it easier for more people to bike every day,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “Bicycle Friendly Businesses aren’t just improving commutes — they’re transforming communities through meaningful investments in better biking that benefit employees and customers alike.”

List of all Spring 2025 Awards + Honorable Mentions | List of all Current BFBs

One city stood out in particular for its influx of first-time BFBs in this round: Bentonville, Arkansas. With 13 new awards—including three Platinum, two Gold, six Silver, and two Bronze—Bentonville’s dedication to biking culture is turning heads nationwide. With these new awards, Bentonville has officially landed in the top 10 U.S. cities with the most Bicycle Friendly Businesses, tying with Fitchburg, Wisconsin, for sixth place at 28 BFBs each.

Tampa, Florida, still holds the #1 spot with 63 total BFBs. One newly elevated Silver BFB, Tampa International Airport (TPA), regularly encourages the more than 10,000 people who work there to commute by bike and was even featured in local news for their celebration of National Bike Month last year.

TPA’s Chief Development Officer Smitha Radhakrishnan shared excitement about the airport’s continued progress: “We are thrilled to achieve the Silver designation from the League of American Bicyclists. This award highlights the positive effects of our ongoing efforts to promote cycling, contribute to a healthier workforce and enhance connectivity between the airport and our surrounding community.”

Looking at the bigger picture, Florida leads the pack with 161 Bicycle Friendly Businesses across the state, thanks in large part to Tampa’s strong showing. Minnesota and California are tied for the title of state with the second-most BFBs, with 100 each. 

Regional competition is high, and for good reason. From coast to coast, employers in every corner of the country are discovering how bicycling brings lasting benefits to their teams and their communities:

“We’ve hired at least five people in the last five years who sought us out because of our reputation as a Bicycle Friendly Business.” — renewed Platinum CRW Engineering Group, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska (85 employees)

“The Cultural Trail has inspired further bike infrastructure in our city, from miles of both new greenways and protected bike lanes.”  — newly promoted Silver BFB, Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana (17 employees)

“BIDMC’s support for bicycling has enabled employees to require less parking spots within the Longwood area, which helps to reduce the vehicle congestion that the area experiences.”  — renewing Silver BFB, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (7,660 employees)

“We made a point from the beginning to include an engaging way to order coffee for cyclists in our community with our bike up window. We love getting to know the community through coffee, through bikes, and through being a friendly space!” — new Silver BFB, Third Space Coffee, Bentonville, Arkansas (3 employees)

This round of Bicycle Friendly Business awards shows that when employers support biking, they’re doing more than encouraging commutes by bike — they’re attracting new talent, easing traffic congestion, shaping local infrastructure, and creating deeper connections with their communities. It’s a powerful reminder ahead of Bike to Work Week — and throughout National Bike Month — of how everyday bike trips can spark long-term change.

If your business would like to join the movement, submissions for the next round of the Bicycle Friendly Business program are due on June 5, 2025 (use the code “BikeMonth25” for 10% off application fees all Bike Month long).

Learn more about the program and how your workplace can become a Bicycle Friendly Business at bikeleague.org/business.

Apply for BFB Status

About the League Of American Bicyclists

Since 1880, the League of American Bicyclists has been people-powered, with a goal to make bicycling safer and easier as a means of transportation and recreation. Today, the League continues to improve lives and strengthen communities through bicycling. We are more than 200,000 members and supporters strong with more than 1,000 state and local advocacy groups and bike clubs as well as thousands of businesses, universities, and communities together leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. 

About the Bicycle Friendly Business Program

Bicycle Friendly Business awards reflect local leaders’ ongoing work to build better places to bike and evaluate those efforts as part of a national movement. Each of the five levels of the Bicycle Friendly Business award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provides a clear path for businesses to continuously improve. Visit bikeleague.org/business to learn more about the BFB program.

The post 68 New and Renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses Recognized Ahead of Bike to Work Week appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

The headline is about the Trump Administration’s budget for America stripping $163 billion from federal government spending across the board. That’s cuts to education, housing, climate, and other programs – and $3.59 billion of those cuts are coming from eliminating programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

In what the budget calls eliminating “duplicative, DEI, or simply unnecessary programs”, the cuts target a number of centers within the CDC including the National Center for Chronic Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, which “supports healthy behaviors and preventive medical care to help people prevent and manage chronic diseases” such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. One way the center does that is through creating environments that make it easier for people to be physically active.  

Yet, elsewhere in the budget, $500 million is allocated for the new Make America Healthy Again program to give the Secretary of Health and Human Services resources to address nutrition, physical activity, and active lifestyles.

As we noted in our statement opposing CDC cuts earlier this week, the first step to active living is to ensure people have safe and accessible places for people to bike and walk, or as the CDC says, “actions that improve environments can reach a lot of people at once which saves money and protects lives.”

Programs within the National Center for Chronic Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion are projected to save over $500 billion in health care costs. We should be expanding this program, not eliminating it.

Earlier this week, Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee held a hearing “examining the consequences of the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our entire public health system.” In testifying, public health experts noted the CDC’s mission and the goal of public health is to prevent death and injury before it happens. Building safer places for people to be active is public health infrastructure – something Trump’s budget claims it would maintain. 

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Also at the hearing, Ranking Member of the Committee Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) decried the proposed slashes to CDC’s public health work and the notion that prevention programs for HIV, tobacco, drowning, asthma, lead poisoning, and gun violence are “so-called waste”. Among those are efforts aimed at preventing teenagers from starting to smoke. “The life of a teenager that does not become addicted to cigarettes is not a waste,” DeLauro said. 

Likewise, preventing a young adult from developing Type 2 diabetes by encouraging bicycling is not a waste. Preventing heart disease by making it safer to bike thereby extending a mother’s life to see her children grow older is not a waste. And preventing the death of a child crossing a street because we built safer roads is most certainly not a waste. 

The post How Trump’s Budget Cuts Threaten Community Health appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

The League often notes that the congressionally established Transportation Alternatives Program is the largest single source of federal funding for bicycling and walking projects across the country. Officially created in 2012 – but with roots traced back to 1991– we’ve successfully pushed for increases in available funding and it’s grown from delivering around $800 million per year in 2014 to offering $1.2 billion in 2023 for state and local bicycling and walking priorities. 

One of our top federal priorities is ensuring that growth continues and there are no cuts to TAP this year or in future transportation reauthorization bills. And we continue to monitor how the fallout from Secretary Duffy’s recent letter may impact TAP. 

The good news is that there are other sources of federal funding for road safety projects that include bicycling and walking safety infrastructure. The bad news is that these other sources, like Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants, are also under threat. 

While the legality of the executive branch’s threats to SS4A and TAP remain in question, this week Congress is the branch putting billions of dollars of investments into communities at risk. 

The Neighborhood Access and Equity Act (NAE), created by Congress in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, made $3.1 billion available for local projects that mitigate barriers dividing communities, reconnect those communities through safe bicycling and walking, and address environmental justice issues like urban heat islands. 

On April 30, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) voted along party lines to rescind all unobligated funding in the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program, including grants that had already been awarded, as part of the budget reconciliation process. The analysts at Transportation for America estimate that 75% of awards are unobligated. Here is a map of projects that would be eliminated by the House’s bill:

Several Democrats on the committee offered amendments to save the NAE funding, but – despite grassroots bike advocates’ outreach – every proposal was voted down with all Republicans voting no and all Democrats present voting yes.

This is just the first step in the House T&I committee and larger congressional budget reconciliation process – there is still time to save NAE funding. Read T4’s blog for more wonky details about the reconciliation process »

How We Can Act to Save NAE Funding 

Per congressional procedure, the House T&I bill will next go to the full House for a floor vote. We expect that vote to fall along party lines, as well. Then the bill will head to the Senate, which will take up their own priorities. That’s where we can next apply pressure. 

The League will be asking you to join us in putting pressure on senators to exclude cuts to NAE in their version of the reconciliation bill when it comes up in committee. We’ll be working with our partners in Washington and on the ground to identify NAE projects at risk and highlight those potentially lost investments and impacts in the local media. (Know of a project in your area? Contact us at communications[at]bikeleague.org!) 

What You Can Do Right Now 

Reach out to your representatives who offered supportive amendments or voted in favor of preserving NAE funding. 

Here’s a rundown of NAE and biking-related amendments: 

• Del. Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) amendment to prohibit DOT secretary from rescind neighborhood grant awards issued under the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant program. Failed 30-36.
• Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ari.) amendment to preserve NAE funding for tribal safety improvement projects. Failed by voice vote.
• Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) amendment to appropriate $30 million for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. Failed by voice vote.
• Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.) amendment to prohibit DOT secretary from rescinding state local grant funding that would degrade pedestrian or bicycle safety. Failed 30-36
• Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.) amendment to prevent DOT Secretary from rescinding grant funds. Failed by voice vote.
• Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.) amendment to remove the subsection repealing funding for the Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program. Failed 30-36.
• Rep. Laura Gillen (D-N.Y.) amendment to provide $5 billion for the Highway Safety Improvement Program. Failed by voice vote.
• Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) amendment to prohibit DOT secretary from using birth and marriage rates for the purposes of deciding agency grant recipients. Failed by voice vote.

The post Yet Another Threat to Federal Funding for Biking and Walking: Reconciliation Puts Grants in Jeopardy appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

In 1892, when the nascent League of American Bicyclists (then the Wheelmen) was at the beginning of our fight for bicyclists’ rights, we took a petition with 150,000 signatures to Congress to demand a “Road Department” that would work to ensure people biking had safe, good roads for transportation or recreation. 

In 1991, it was Congress that established the first major sources of federal funding for bicycling and walking projects. In the 18 years before 1991, all 50 states combined spent a total of $40 million – approximately $2 million per year. 

In 2021, it was Congress that continued to strengthen and increase the emphasis on federal support of active transportation modes like bicycling, with funding available to states at levels as high as $1.4 billion per year. 

Now, in 2025, it is the executive branch via the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that is trying to undo the bipartisan laws passed by Congress – threatening decades of work to build better roads for people who bike and threatening the safety of our very lives. 

While we were alarmed in March by a potential freezing or cancellation of discretionary grants, we are now astonished by this new attack on all federal transportation funding, which would necessarily mean a catastrophic blow to bicycling and walking projects. 

In a letter to all recipients of USDOT funding, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy threatens to withdraw funding to recipients that do not “comply fully with all applicable Federal laws and regulations” and then goes on to specifically claim that any program or project – whether it is described in neutral terms or not – is a violation of federal law if it is based on “discriminatory policies or practices designed to achieve so-called ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ or ‘DEI.’” 

This isn’t just the Administration making choices on grants they’ve been given permission to determine, this is the Administration rescinding state and local governments’ rights to determine what is best for their communities. This is holding congressionally-directed federal funding hostage, which has been legally directed to state and local governments, in an effort to compel compliance from those state and local governments on unrelated legal policies. 

After DEI, the letter takes aim at cities’ and states’ immigration policy, noting that recipients’ compliance and cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is mandatory. Cities or states that receive federal transportation funds and also issue driver’s license to undocumented people, or who decline to cooperate with ICE, are called out and given a choice: end these policies or risk USDOT funding. 

This letter raises so many questions: Is every recipient of federal transportation funds now potentially in violation and at risk of losing all funding? Or worse, the clawing back of “possible recovery of funds expended” the letter also threatens? Or even more arbitrarily, the termination of funding simply if USDOT determines it is “no longer in the public interest”? 

That we don’t know the answers to these questions is where the letter’s power lies. 

Whether or not this letter is legally binding or has the authority to change the law of the land, as determined by Congress and signed by several presidents over the years, it’s the uncertainty that will stall state and local governments from being able to build better, safer roads. 

We already know some cities and states have put projects on hold. We already know some recipients are nervous about signing new agreements. 

Though Duffy’s letter does not say “bicycling” once, its intent will stall progress on bike safety for years to come. 

And Duffy is elsewhere proving he is no friend to bicyclists. At a forum in Washington last week, Secretary Duffy was asked about the March memo on reviewing all funding for bike infrastructure. Here’s how Streetsblog reported on his answer: 

“I’m not opposed to bikes,” he began. “But in New York … they want to expand bike lanes, and then they get more congestion. … What are the roads for, and how do we use our roads? If we put bikes on roadways, and then we get congestion, it’s a really bad experience for a lot of people.

“I do think it’s a problem when we’re making massive investments in bike lanes at the expense of vehicles,” he added. “I do think you see more congestion when you add bike lanes and take away vehicle lanes. That’s a problem.”

The future of safe bicycling hangs in the balance right now. (None of that is true, by the way, and Streetsblog’s article breaks it down nicely.) 

Here is what the League is working on and how you can help: 

• Sign our petition! – Already signed? Share it far and wide! At the conclusion of Bike Month, we’ll be sharing the signatures with Secretary Duffy and Congress. 
• We’re meeting with congressional offices in Washington every week, keeping up the pressure on legislators to ensure federal funding for bike lanes keeps flowing. You can help by reaching out to your member of Congress (you can find them using our Action Center.) Invite them to visit new bike infrastructure next time they are in the district, go for a ride, or plan to meet with them in their district office.   
• We’re looking ahead to the next five-year transportation authorization bill in 2026 and working to ensure our priorities are Congress’s priorities in the next bill. While the road is rough at the moment, we know progress is possible — because we’ve seen it in action since 1892.

The post The Fight for Safe Streets Intensifies: Executive Action Threatens State and Local Funding appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

The League recently hosted a League Cycling Instructor seminar for many of the local champions (known as “Sheros”) of the national cycling club, Black Girls Do Bike. This was the culmination of our partnership with Good Morning America to honor BGDB founder Monica Garrison by fulfilling one of her dreams for the club. 

We were thrilled to support BGDB and its many inspiring leaders; so thrilled that we sent our very own Monique Hyatte to the seminar to record the event through her camera lens!

A big thank you to Coach Leta Highsmith for leading the seminar and to Simone for her leadership as the site facilitator. Enjoy the smiles and miles of the seminar through this photo essay!

#ICYMI on Good Morning America, yesterday we surprised Monica Garrison, founder of @blackgrlsdobike, with the news that we're hosting an LCI seminar JUST for Sheroes! Watch the full video to hear Monica's story and watch the surprise in action: https://t.co/0xLTKUJdFY

— League of American Bicyclists (@BikeLeague) March 1, 2024

A proud Shero points to her Black Girls Do Bike (BGDB) jersey. This seminar brought together over a dozen local BGDB leaders from all over the country!

Instructors-in-training got hands-on with identifying bike parts. Here, a Shero from Milwaukee has the bike flipped upside down to get a better look at the chainrings and crankset. Peer-to-peer learning like this was a big part of the experience.

Learning from the best: Coach Leta Highsmith proudly shows off her vintage LCI jersey. Her leadership throughout the weekend inspired confidence and growth in every attendee.

Helping one another is key: From high-fives during bike-handling drills to encouraging words after a tough exercise, these Sheros supported each other every step of the way. Coach Leta guided the group through how to teach essential cycling skills like dodging obstacles, riding in groups, and stopping quickly.

These two photos above capture Sheros practicing hand signals. Mastering these signals and learning to ride steadily while signaling is essential to safe, confident cycling.

“We got this, sisterhood!”: Riding side by side, these Sheros remind us that cycling is more than just pedaling together — it’s a powerful, collective movement for freedom and joy. 

Life’s better on a bike: This moment really shows the freedom and excitement that come with cycling. There’s something special about that feeling of being completely in the moment and in tune with your bike — and we can’t help but smile right along with her.

“Yes, she did it!!!!!” The moment of achievement! Sheros clapped and cheered as one of their own received her official League Cycling Instructor certificate. Every smile in this photo says it all. This is what Black Girls Do Bike is all about — celebrating sisterhood, breaking down barriers, and lifting up women of color as leaders in the cycling community.

That post-course celebration energy is real! One Shero throws her hands up in triumph, surrounded by cheers from her classmates. Becoming an LCI is no easy feat, and every woman in this seminar did an amazing job!

Let’s ride! Nothing beats the joy of putting honed skills into motion. These newly certified instructors hit the pavement, practicing everything from lane positioning to group riding etiquette — and having a blast while doing it.

“A bike is not just a machine; it’s an emotion that drives our soul.” This quote says it perfectly. Bikes are more than wheels and gears — they’re vehicles for transforming lives. 

The crew: A powerful group of Sheros — now official League Cycling Instructors — gathered with Coach Leta to commemorate the weekend. 

Conclusion

This weekend was more than a seminar — it was a celebration of community, sisterhood, and the power of bikes to change lives. In the spirit of Black Girls Do Bike, these Sheros are embracing cycling as a tool for fellowship, fitness, freedom, and fun, while creating a welcoming space for women and girls of color to thrive. Want to support or become a League Cycling Instructor yourself? Learn more and join the movement!

Did you know? In striving to achieve our mission of building a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone, one of our primary objectives is developing and supporting a more diverse community of League Cycling Instructors (LCI). Representation matters and people of every race, gender identity, and background should be able to see themselves in the bicycling community — regardless of one’s financial situation. With the help of Ford Philanthropy, the League offers Equity Scholarships to attend an LCI Seminar. Click here to learn more and apply for the scholarship!

The post Black Girls Do Bike Sheros become League Cycling Instructors appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

The League of American Bicyclists is a movement of dedicated members. Now, some of our most committed members have the opportunity to amplify their impact: by stepping forward to join our Board of Directors.

We’re calling for applications to run for elected positions on our Board!

We are seeking passionate and visionary individuals to help steer the League’s course and shape the future of bicycling in America.

Why Answer the Call to Serve on the Board?

As a member of our Board of Directors, you will have a tangible opportunity to work with us in building a Bicycle Friendly America for Everyone. Your leadership can be instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and welcoming bike movement, putting our theory of change into action, and contributing your years of expertise to drive our advocacy efforts and impactful programs forward. 

We are looking for Board members who:

• Deeply resonate with the League’s mission and demonstrate a continued commitment to building a truly Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.
• Bring a wealth of diverse skills and perspectives, offering insights in core areas such as governance, fundraising, strategic planning, or program development.
• Actively champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, helping us cultivate a Board that reflects the American biking public.

Ready to Make a Difference? Learn More and Apply Today!

Visit our dedicated Board Elections page to delve into the specific qualifications and application process to run for our Board of Directors.

Please note that the deadline to submit your application for our upcoming round of Board elections is May 30, 2025.

Our next Board election is scheduled to take place in July 2025. We encourage all League members to participate in this important process by casting their vote.

The post Your Chance to Lead the Future of the Bike Movement appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

On April 8th, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a press release announcing its early estimates of overall traffic fatalities for 2024, projecting that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes last year. This is a continued decrease since 2021 and the announcement largely focused on that positive story with a brief mention that “America’s traffic fatality rate remains high relative to many peer nations.”

Those overall numbers do not tell the full story. In the United States – according to new 2023 data hyperlinked but not discussed in this press release – cyclist deaths increased from a record 1,105 in 2022 (revised up to 1,117 in the latest data) to a new record of 1,166 in 2024, an increase of 4.4% or 5.5% depending upon which 2022 number you use. Since an all-time reported low of 623 bicyclist deaths in 2010, we’ve seen an 87% increase in bicyclist deaths with consecutive all-time records for the most deaths in the last two years of available data.

If you believe, as we do, that the only acceptable number of traffic deaths is zero, then we obviously have much work to do. If you also believe, as we do, that traffic deaths are preventable, then we know people’s lives can be saved with everyday changes to how our roads are designed, built, and marked for speed of motor vehicles, among other changes.

The League’s central focus is building a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone – where everyone can bike safely for transportation or recreation. That’s why we’re petitioning the federal government to lift pauses on Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants and why we’re pushing eligible entities to apply for the next round of SS4A grants. And that’s why we’re advocating for the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act, to make it easier for communities to use federal funding for safer streets. 

The Price We Pay for Unsafe Streets

A record number of people leaving their home, office, or a friend’s place were killed by a driver on their ride. Their families, friends, and communities bear real costs – estimated in billions and inestimable costs of lost love and companionship.

According to another NHTSA report, each cyclist death represents $10,495,944 in costs to society through medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, lost household work, lost quality of life, legal expenses, and insurance administration (to rub salt in the wound, this is the lowest cost per life for the four road user types accounted for in the report in Table 3-4).

That equates to an eye-popping $12.2 billion in societal costs from bicyclist deaths in 2023 (based on cost estimates from 2019, pre-Covid era inflation) or slightly less than the $13 billion in federal funds spent on bicycling AND walking infrastructure since 2010 (pedestrian deaths were down in 2023, but that still means 7,314 people were killed while walking, an increase of 70% since 2010 and accounting over $72 billion in societal costs).

Prevent Another Record Year: It’s Time to Take Action

As I wrote last year, we know that “more can be done to address bicyclist safety.” Separated bike lanes, slower speeds, and urgent action to improve vehicles for the safety of people outside them were needed then and continue to be needed now.

More than ever, we need public agencies that build our roads to take responsibility for building roads that are safe for people who bike. The responsible public agencies are primarily state highway agencies followed by city or municipal agencies. 

While our federal government owns few roads, they provide funding, design guidance, and environmental review for over 80 percent of the roads where bicyclists are killed. It is unacceptable to suggest that building safe places to bike is not the responsibility of a federal or state agency when those agencies are exercising control over the places where bicyclists are being killed.

The data also show that roads designated as part of the National Highway System — a subset of roads that are funded by federal transportation funding due to their importance to “the nation’s economy, defense, and mobility” — account for about 35 percent of bicyclist deaths and have seen their number of deaths increase at a rate three times the rate of increase on other roads in our nation.

It shouldn’t take record-setting numbers of lives lost for decision-makers to act — but it can be the catalyst for all of us to demand change.

Fortunately, one of the best funding sources for safer streets is back again this year — Safe Streets and Roads For All. Applications are open until 5PM EDT on June 26th, 2025. State agencies cannot apply, but they can be partners in applications with local communities that want to address deadly state-owned roads in their communities. 

You don’t have to be the one applying for a grant to help make change happen. Share this information with your local leaders, speak up at community meetings, and rally your neighbors. Let’s keep pushing our communities to take action for safer streets — because every life lost is one too many.

The post Another Year of Devastating and Preventable Bicyclist Deaths appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

From epic gravel adventures to a signature route that spans the Lone Star State, Club Spinistry has built a community around pushing limits and embracing the dirt. Founded with a bold vision and a passion for the unpaved, the club has grown into a hub for experienced cyclists seeking out the longest, toughest, and grittiest rides. Get to know the story behind Club Spinistry, their legendary RAT 1000, and how they’re riding toward a more adventurous future for gravel cycling.

How and when was your club founded?
Club Spinistry was founded in 2014 to support our efforts to create a (mostly) gravel route across Texas. That route evolved into the RAT 1000.

What’s the RAT 1000?

The Race Across Texas is an eight-day, 1,000-mile, off-road, bicycle ride through the rolling, rugged beauty that is the Texas backcountry. It’s our signature event, though it’s nowhere near our largest. It’s a ride that truly defines what our members can do.

What’s the club’s mission?
Our focus has been on helping people to learn what it takes to achieve what they previously might have thought was unachievable.

Who are your members?
Our members are typically experienced cyclists wanting to experience more adventurous and longer rides. We embrace the mantra: long, hard & dirty. We aren’t meant for everyone.

What are some highlights from your club calendar?
Texas Chainring Massacre in January is our largest event, and it’s a classic gravel race. In spring, we’ve got the Red River Riot — probably the best gravel route and venue in Texas. The RAT 1000 is a route that anyone can follow any time, but we have an unofficial group that departs each October.

How does the Spinistry engage in bike advocacy at the local, state or national levels?
Previously, we have coordinated with and supported the efforts of most of the organizations around the region. As our club has grown, it has created some confusion as to who might have been “driving the bus” at specific functions. We have always been the stoker (so to speak) in those endeavors. Going forward, we plan to take a more active and direct role ourselves related to access and awareness, particularly as it relates to wilderness, backcountry, and other off-the-beaten-path cycling destinations. We will most assuredly continue our support of the other cycling groups we’ve worked with over the years as well.

Anything else you’d like us to know?
Here’s a documentary on our RAT 1000. We didn’t have any input on the production itself but couldn’t be happier about how it conveys what the ride is about.

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The League certifies hundreds of League Cycling Instructors every year and there are thousands of LCIs across the country leading bike education efforts in their communities. In our LCI spotlight series, we share the stories of League Cycling Instructors doing what they do daily: educating, mentoring, and empowering. 

This month, we shared a lively conversation with Fernando A. Martinez, a longtime League Cycling Instructor, former member of the League’s Board of Directors, and current Bicycle Program Director at Precinct One in Harris County, Texas. Fernando’s journey has taken him from Mexico City to Washington, D.C., Miami and Texas, using bicycling as a tool to find opportunities, build connections, and make streets safer for everyone. His story is one of persistence, passion, and a deep belief in the power of the bicycle. Read on to get inspired by Fernando’s dedication to creating a Bicycle Friendly America for all. 

It sounds like you’ve been engaged in almost every aspect of biking from racing, to building bikes and to advocacy and education. So to give you a chance to sum up that story — can you start by telling me a little about yourself and how biking has shaped your life? 

My name is Fernando Martinez. I grew up in Mexico City, and my family didn’t own a car, so we either used public transportation or walked. I started riding at thirteen years old — I had a bike, but I wasn’t all that interested at first. It was a coach who first opened my mind to the idea that bikes can change your life. He took me under his wing and taught me how to fix bikes, how to bike, how to race, and how bicycling can be a life-changing tool. His own kids weren’t interested in bikes, so he chose me to pass on his knowledge. He was like my own Mr. Miagi from Karate Kid. He would tell me, “Cycling is like life. You must set a goal, keep your balance, learn to switch gears and go forward. Sometimes there will be barriers and hills to climb. If you don’t know how to change gears, you’re gonna suffer. In life and on a bike, you have to learn to keep pace and switch gears when needed.”

You’ve worked with a ton of bike organizations in the past, from Mexico City to D.C. to Houston. What advocacy group, club, or bike organization are you a part of these days?

Over the years, I’ve been involved with BikeTexas, served on the board of the League and on the board of BikeHouston, worked with PeopleForBikes, and been around Safe Routes to School as well. I love what Safe Routes and Trips for Kids does. We’re trying to take that approach here in Houston to get kids out of their circle and explore their world. I was also involved with Please Be Kind to Cyclists. 

These days, I direct the Bicycle Programs at Harris County Precinct One, and we work with Texas DOT to secure funding for free helmets, classes, rides, and program support of that nature. 

How did you get started with your current work with Precinct One in Harris County?

Commissioner Rodney Ellis and I went on a bike ride and he showed me his dreams to change people’s lives through biking. Following his leadership, we created the RideONE program in 2018, and we now have about 400 bikes. A big portion of the folks who use our fleet, particularly our adult tricycles, are seniors working to improve their health and balance. Just five tricycles get hundreds of rides each week! We also have balance bikes for kids, WOOM bikes, tandem, hybrid bikes, folding bikes, e-bikes… It’s incredible. This program used to be a daydream, something I’d scribble on a napkin, imagining the possibilities, and now it’s a “dream on wheels.” 

Fernando A. Martinez repping a BikeTexas hat and a Commissioner Rodney Ellis t-shirt in front of Harris County Precinct One’s RideONE vehicles.

Tell me about how you keep your students engaged while you teach. 

I’ll give you an example from a bike safety class of about 84 seniors. As an instructor, I always want to learn about my students to find out what they need and want. In talking with them, I learned our trails aren’t wide enough for two tricycles to ride next to each other —preventing the seniors on trikes from riding side-by-side and carrying on a conversation together. When you listen to students and take their concerns seriously, you build trust and connection.

It also helps to follow through and take action. After we heard that feedback, the trails at Precinct One parks were improved to become more accessible. We also created the Bike Library as a way to answer needs that students brought up — providing bicycles as tools to connect people, for folks to start building friendships and community, we help improve their health. Riding together shows new cyclists that it’s a lot easier than they think to transport themselves on a bike or trike, and it’s very empowering. At the end of classes like that, I love to hear comments like, “Oh wow, that wasn’t so bad! I’ll tell my grandson how easy it is, and we can ride together.”

What motivated you to become a cycling educator? At what point did you become an LCI?

Even with all my experience riding, when I first got into biking as commuting in DC, I had never been taught the rules of the road. I was so excited when I got involved with BikeTexas and learned they were doing that kind of education — it was and still is so needed. It was early in my work with BikeTexas, about twenty five years ago, when I became a League Cycling Instructor. I’m proud to say I was the first Mexican Hispanic to become an LCI!

You played a key role in translating the first Spanish-language bike safety curriculum in Texas. Tell us about what that meant for you, and what it meant for your community at the time.

This kind of education was not accessible before. In 2000, my wife Irene Carrion and I helped BikeTexas to translate the SafeCyclist curriculum into Spanish, and that was a tool that help us with bike safety education in Texas. At the time, we were in Amarillo, Texas, and I kept trying to talk to schools and get them interested in Safe Routes programming, but they always pushed back, saying, ‘We have so many curriculums, another one won’t help. Let’s talk later.” 

It ended up being the parent-teacher community that changed things. When I talked to the PTA group, and told them about the Safe Routes program offering Safety, Education, and Health for their kids, the parents got excited. They asked what I needed, and I told them — I need access to the schools, to be able to facilitate this programming to your children. So the parents asked the principal, and the principal agreed to let me provide Safe Routes programming for pre-K through 5th grade. In the first class, I facilitated a session with 350 kids, and they were all engaged, attentive, and excited. Word soon spread, and other schools started calling. We eventually expanded to 61 elementary schools. 

“Because there was a large Spanish-speaking community in Amarillo TX, Martinez worked to translate the BikeTexas SRTS Event Handbook and other documents to Spanish. This enabled Spanish speaking parents to gain a better understanding of what SRTS is about and how their children could benefit from this program. This case study provides information on how Martinez brought Bicycle Education to Spanish-Speaking Communities.” 

— How BikeTexas & Safe Routes to School Helped Turn Amarillo into a More Bikeable Community by Rosalie Aguilar-Santos

What is your best piece of advice for an LCI who wants to teach a class but isn’t sure how to get started?

When I first started teaching safety classes at community centers, I noticed that the managers weren’t very interested in the lessons themselves. But when we started organizing bike rides and invited them to join, everything changed—they got hooked once they experienced it firsthand.

That’s my advice: Get to know the people you’re working with, listen to what excites them, and lean into that. Not every new LCI feels comfortable leading a class right away, and that’s okay. Many start by simply showing up to trainings, offering support, and building experience over time. Sometimes, all it takes is a small moment of encouragement—when someone hesitates to get on a bike, and another person helps them take that first step. Once they do, they appreciate it more.

The best part of teaching is sharing something you love and seeing the joy when someone learns something new. So just go for it—start small, learn as you go, and most importantly, help put a smile on someone’s face! Today, all our Precinct One community centers managers became LCIs. We are hosting another LCI seminar this month to certify five more staff members and ten sheriff department deputies, thanks to the RideONE bike program initiatives! We are taking the lead and want to make Houston safer for people who ride bikes.

What advice would you give to other cycling educators who want to make biking more accessible to Spanish-speaking communities, or under-represented cycling communities in general?

Just try it! Go for it! If you don’t speak the language, find someone who can help with it. Whether it’s teaching kids to bike or learning to maintain bikes — you never know what response you’ll get, so go for it. You’ll surely find barriers but there’s always a way past them. Don’t waste the energy trying to climb straight over the barrier —  look for a way around it, move forward, and keep your pace and balance, as my old coach would say. 

What would you say has been your greatest reward in teaching bike education?

The reward is all the smiles from people who are learning to ride for the first time. Most older folks have never experienced a bicycle safety class, and they’re excited to learn something they’ve never known. When we bring bikes to schools, a lot of kids have never even ridden until we teach them through Learn To Ride programs. From toddlers to people in their nineties, it’s all about making people smile with bike joy. 

After decades in cycling, what keeps you passionate about this work?

All the people! Bikes are just a tool — without the people, you don’t have anyone riding. I also am passionate about the safety aspect. I always like to show students the helmet my daughter was wearing when she crashed — she was seven years old at the time, and she’s now nineteen because of that helmet. The same thing happened to me where a helmet saved my life during a bad crash. You have to live it to tell the story. So when I put a helmet on someone’s head and share my story, they get it. I enjoy taking a picture of my students with their helmet on, and showing them the photo —  encouraging them by saying, “Look how good you look!”

Is there anything I haven’t asked you that you’d like to share?

I have to thank my family for being champions and volunteers in supporting this work over the years. My wife was the one championing Safe Routes to School with me in Amarillo TX, and my second volunteer was my daughter. She’s been riding since she was young — when she was two years old, I started taking her to Kids Cup events. She was always the first to hop on her tricycle, and all the kids would see her and get excited to join up and ride together. 

As my daughter got older and joined me at all these different events, she got to see how many friends I had everywhere. She’d always ask me, “How do you have so many friends?” The answer, of course, is bikes. One example I love to share is when I was travelling back to Austin from an event in Seattle with Commissioner Elllis (though at the time, he was still Senator Ellis). One of the vans broke down, and we couldn’t find a hotel room. I posted on Facebook that I was looking for some help, and within ten minutes, an old cycling friend — Carl from Miami — reached out and offered his whole house in the Seattle area for us to stay at. Bikes are truly a tool for connection, wherever you go. I also want to thank everyone that made a difference in my life and help me understand the importance of bikes. Thank you, Gonzalo Munoz de Cote, Robin Stallings, and all the people that gave me an opportunity to work with them closely to make a difference using the bike as a tool to change people’s lifestyles.

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Fueled by League members’ calls for a dedicated bike advocacy workshop, 2024 marked the debut of the League Cycling Advocate (LCA) program. Now in its second year, the program certifies attendees as LCAs and equips them with the essential knowledge and tools to become powerful bike advocates—all in three action-packed days.

Two weeks ago, over thirty passionate bike advocates and ten guest speakers gathered in Santa Monica, California, to attend the League’s third LCA workshop. Attendees came from across the country to learn how to sharpen and strengthen their advocacy skills and become more effective storytellers and engaged community leaders.

The Santa Monica workshop was hosted in partnership with Santa Monica Spoke, the local bike advocacy organization. Guest Speakers came from a wide range of local organizations including BikeLA, Biking While Black, People for Mobility Justice, Day One, Agathon Designs, Altadena Town Council, and the City of Santa Monica. 

Energized by our setting in sunny downtown Santa Monica, the workshop kicked off with a welcoming message and emphasis on how people are at the center of advocacy and building the bike movement. Santa Monica, known for its progressive environmental policies and scenic coastal routes, is already a great place for biking and was an incredible backdrop for the workshop as it underscored the need for continued advocacy to build truly safe, inclusive, and well-connected bike networks. Starting with a group ride through Santa Monica on Thursday evening, attendees were able to take in the city’s progress and reflect on how thoughtful infrastructure and community-driven advocacy can shape better places for everyone to move through. 

Insights from Expert Guest Speakers

The heart of the workshop was the two-day series of presentations from 10 guest speakers—local leaders, cycling experts, and experienced advocates who provided valuable insights and advice on how to create lasting change. Here’s a breakdown of their key takeaways:

• Building Effective Coalitions: One speaker emphasized the power of centering one’s own identity and values to build coalitions with like-minded organizations, such as city officials, local businesses, and other advocacy groups. 
• Engaging with Local Government: A local elected official offered strategies on how to approach local government officials to push for bike-friendly policies and community events. This included tips on writing effective petitions, speaking at city council meetings, and building relationships with policymakers.

• Centering Equity and Mobility Justice: One crucial session focused on ensuring that discussions and strategies around cycling are designed with all communities in mind, especially those that have historically been underserved. Speakers highlighted how to meet people and a community where they are and learn about the history of a place and the future dreams and goals that they want.
• Data-Driven Advocacy: The importance of data in making the case for bike infrastructure was a popular topic. One speaker demonstrated how collecting data on bike usage, accident rates, and environmental benefits can help advocates create compelling arguments that appeal to both policymakers and the general public. (P.S. Bike audits are a great way for citizen advocates to collect key data — check out the AARP Bike Audit Tool Kit to learn more!)
• Effective Communication Strategies: Another session offered tips on how to communicate with both the media and the public to raise awareness about bike advocacy efforts. This included crafting press releases, engaging on social media, and using storytelling to connect with decision-makers.
• Grassroots Organizing: A discussion focused on grassroots organizing strategies to explain how advocates can mobilize community members to join the cause, attend meetings, and participate in campaigns. The session also offered advice on creating lasting systems of change, hosting bike events, and growing a community around cycling.
• Sustainable Funding for Bike Projects: The workshop also featured a speaker from the city who discussed how to secure funding for bike infrastructure projects through grants, private sponsorships, and public-private partnerships.

Networking and Community Building

One of the key benefits of the workshop was the opportunity for networking. In addition to the presentations, the event included several bike rides and networking dinners. The hands-on approach gave participants the chance to collaborate with others, discuss specific challenges, and brainstorm solutions.

Attendees connected with others who share their passion for cycling and advocacy, building a sense of community that will extend beyond the event. Participants swapped stories, exchanged resources, and even started planning collaborative projects. This open exchange of ideas sets the stage for future collaborations and partnerships that will continue to move the needle toward more sustainable, radically welcoming communities for people who bike.

Wrapping Up: A Call to Action

As the workshop came to a close, attendees left feeling empowered and equipped with new knowledge, tools, and connections that would help them be more effective advocates for cycling in their communities. The day’s activities not only deepened their understanding of the challenges and opportunities in bike advocacy but also reinforced the idea that change happens when individuals come together, armed with passion and purpose.

The workshop was a great reminder that effective advocacy isn’t just about asking for bike lanes—it’s about creating a movement, one conversation, and one partnership at a time. We can expect even more progress toward making our streets safer and more welcoming for cyclists.

Next League Cycling Advocate Workshop

Stay tuned for the dates and timing for the next bike advocacy workshop in Detroit this fall. Info will be available at bikeleague.org/lca, or you can sign up to receive all the latest news by subscribing to the League’s bi-monthly newsletter. 

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On March 28, the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) published a new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. This NOFO will be the only application period in 2025 for the SS4A program, which provides about $1 Billion each year for projects that improve safety on our streets. Eligible entities have 90 days, until Thursday, June 26, 2025, to apply. 

You may have seen the US DOT memo that directs a review of grants whose primary purpose is bike lanes. You may have watched a recent Jon Stewart interview where he calls a NOFO a MOFO that is too complex. I am here to say that the SS4A program remains one of the best funding sources for safer streets – and encourage you to get your community to apply.

Over the three years of the SS4A program, its grants have reached around 75% of the U.S. population and provided grants to about 800 communities who had never previously received a federal transportation grant. This year’s NOFO makes some changes, but the SS4A program remains unchanged in its intent – preventing “fatalities and serious injuries on roads and streets involving all roadway users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation, motorists, and commercial vehicle operators.”

The SS4A program is available for Metropolitan Planning Organizations; political subdivisions of a State or territory (e.g., cities, towns, counties); Federally recognized Tribal governments; and  multijurisdictional groups of those entities. Its grants can be used for a wide variety of activities, but applicants must choose to pursue either a Planning and Demonstration grant or Implementation grant.

Compared to previous years, there are a few things to be aware of:

• There is only one application period and one application deadline this year. Planning and Demonstration Grant and Implementation Grant applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM (EDT) on June 26, 2025.
• If you are applying for an implementation grant, you will need to have an approved Safety Action Plan. You are strongly encouraged to submit your Action Plan for pre-application review by 5:00 PM (EDT) on May 9, 2025. If it is approved, you will be able to apply for an implementation grant. If it is not approved, you can apply for a supplemental planning grant to finish meeting the criteria.
  • US DOT also has this self-certification worksheet you can use to make sure the plan has all the criteria. 
  • Helpful hints: Make sure the plan details the public outreach work the community has done. DOT will give preference to planning grants that cover the entire community rather than ones that focus on one area or neighborhood.
  • If your planning grant relied on other existing plans meeting some of the requirements (e.g. a vision zero goal) make sure it is referenced in the SSFA plan. 
• If you are applying for a planning grant, there is a strong emphasis on addressing all road users and the applicant’s traffic safety issues comprehensively. Grants that only focus on one mode of transportation, such as bicycling, are less likely to be competitive than grants that talk about safety issues comprehensively and pursue bicycle safety improvements as part of addressing the safety of all road users.
• For either grant, focus on benefits to families and kids, and reducing costs (or increasing economic benefits). The NOFO refers back to an earlier memo that states the Administration will base grant decisions on how well they meet their priorities including economic benefits, and benefits to families and children. For instance: the Trump Administration has been positive towards Safe Routes to School.
  • Another example: Areas of Persistent Poverty. The Trump Administration may not prioritize words like equity or diversity, but the statutory language does include promoting safety in areas of persistent poverty. The Administration has responded by giving a clearer definition of what qualifies. 

There are many US DOT resources available to help communities apply for SS4A grants. June 26th will be here before you know it. Here’s a chart of the changes to this year’s NOFO created by the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations. 

The SS4A program remains one of the only USDOT grants that goes directly to communities, rather than through the state department of transportation, and retains its flexibility that has served so many communities well over the last three years. Do not be deterred by negative headlines. Do not apologize for your community’s bicycle safety needs. But, make sure you are responsive to the NOFO and engage with the administration’s priorities. 

If you have questions about the NOFO, such as how the administration will apply principles from the DOT Order, Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in DOT’s Policies, Programs and Activities, there is an opportunity to submit questions by 5:00 PM (EDT) on May 29, 2025.

If you would like advice about pursuing bicycle safety projects in the SS4A program, please reach out to Ken McLeod, policy director at the League of American Bicyclists, at ken@bikeleague.org.

The post One of the best funding sources for safer streets is back! appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

In what was supposed to be a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing laying the foundations for the next transportation reauthorization bill expected in 2026, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy instead fielded questions from both sides of the dais on the status of infrastructure projects and programs given the administration’s pauses, reviews, and freezes of federal grants since January 20. 

Last month, one of those reviews was instituted on grant awards that included bicycle infrastructure. The League has now gathered over 8,000 signatures on our petition demanding that grants awards for bike lanes and other projects be finalized and that funding flows to the communities. 

Advocates from the League of American Bicyclists and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association make the statement that Bike Lanes Save Lives at the April 2, 2025, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.

And at yesterday’s hearing, bicycling advocates made our collective voices known. In partnership with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, we made it clear that Bike Lanes Save Lives. With eight advocates donning t-shirts emblazoned with our message, we ensured Secretary Duffy and the senators knew how important federal funding is for the safety of people who bike. 

Key Takeaways 

Both sides of the aisle expressed concerns about funding delays on various types of projects, from bridges to ports to multimodal riverfront renewals. 

On the issue of the pause and review of grants, Secretary Duffy was quick to note that his agency is not holding up funding for obligated grant agreements (which is true) and then point to a backlog of over 3,200 grant awards needing finalized agreements that his agency inherited from the previous administration. Awarding grants is the easy part, he indicated, while completing the grant agreement is the more difficult process. 

But by subjecting these awards to further review for bike elements, DOT is simply delaying these grants even more. Delays not only mean streets stay unsafe longer, but they also increase the costs across the board.

As for the reasoning for the review of projects including climate and social justice elements, Duffy said he was simply following congressional intent. Because Congress had debated including those elements in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act but ultimately left them out, removing climate and social justice from grants was in line with the law. While this is true for certain climate provisions, it is not true for bicycle infrastructure and safety measures which were specifically included in multiple grant descriptions. 

When pressed by Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) about when the March memo’s required review of grants with mentions of environmental justice, electric vehicles, and bicycling infrastructure would be complete, Duffy again pointed to the backlog of grant awards and said, “I have a lot of old projects to ‘clean up’.” 

Kelly asked what “clean up” meant, and Duffy pivoted to his talking points about obligated funds being sent out and that grant agreements for unobligated awards will take time because of the previous administration’s backlog.

Without further time in his questioning period, Kelly was unable to follow-up further. 

Did Duffy Mention Bikes? 

Yes, though only in response to a direct question and without his usual polish and poise. Senator Jeff Merkely (D-Ore.) used part of his time to highlight the importance of Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants, which are largely related to people biking and walking and students going to school. “It’s a way for everyone in a car to get to work faster if more people are on bikes,” Merkely said, suggesting Duffy use an autopen to approve the grants.

“Bikes are healthy,” Duffy answered, “and can help many places move people faster.” He affirmed that he would follow the will of Congress on SS4A and was working on getting grants out the door. 

Senate Champions 

In addition to his call out to SS4A, Senator Merkley also gave a nod to the bicycling advocates in the audience and our show of support for these critical projects. In highlighting the congestion relieving benefits when more people can safely and easily bike to work, he recalled his days as a bike commuter in 1980s Washington, DC, when he boasted he’d beat his driving co-workers to the office by biking. 

Like many of her colleagues, Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) had questions about specific projects in her state, though she stood out by asking about the status of a multi-modal project, a $17 million RAISE grant from 2021 that would improve Wilmington’s riverfront with car, bike, pedestrian infrastructure. She reported that grant agreement discussions have not yet resumed and asked Duffy if it was because of the multi-modal aspects. Once again, Duffy put the delay on the previous administration and committed to getting the grant agreement discussions going again. 

Sen. Blunt Rochester also noted her support for SS4A grants and how important it is for people bicycling and walking to be able to get around safely. We also appreciated her acknowledgement of the advocates in the audience both from the dais and after the hearing. 

Other Themes

The status and future of discretionary grants made up a bulk of the hearing, but there were a few other notable themes throughout: 

Safety – Duffy reiterated that the DOT priority is and always must be safety. He offered high praise for Jennifer Homendy and the National Transportation Safety Board she chairs, noting they are following NTSB recommendations on air travel safety. We would love to see more of NTSB’s roadway safety recommendations adopted, too. 

Bureaucratic Inefficiency – There is a bipartisan desire for swifter implementation of infrastructure investments. Whether it’s permitting, the environmental review process, other regulations, the involvement of consultants, or some other boogeyman is where the senators begin to differ. 

Delays are Costly – Not only in terms of monetary cost, but Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) called attention to the human cost of delay. “If we know there’s a traffic safety issue, people die, and it should be fixed quickly.” Senator Adam Schiff (D-Cal.) said delays can kill a project entirely as costs rise due to inflation. 

Staff Capacity – In response to Sen. Schiff’s question about layoffs at DOT impacting delays, Duffy said a loss of personnel hasn’t impacted grant agreements and that the agency has more people now than under the Biden Administration. 

Sign our Petition Support Our Work as a Member

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Are you feeling that spring breeze? That tinge of warmth on your face? Maybe that new trickle of sweat down your back? Well, that is not just the weather changing – it’s the excitement building for National Bike Month! 

The League celebrates National Bike Month every May, and we’re a broken record on this, but we also firmly believe every month should be Bike Month. In fact, in places like Arizona, Florida, and Alaska, April and June take the honors. So though we’ll focus on some national dates here, know that we support local communities choosing the dates that work best for their residents! 

Bike Month is the perfect time to dust off your bike, pump up those tires, and rediscover the simple pleasure of riding. Whether you’re a seasoned bike commuter or weekend warrior, or if you’re just starting out, there’s something for everyone during this special month.

See the Bike Month Resources » Mark Your Calendars!

• National Ride a Bike Day (May 4th): Kick off the month with a ride! Whether it’s a quick spin around the neighborhood or a longer adventure, let’s celebrate the freedom and fun of biking. Extra bonus points if you make it Star Wars themed for “May the Fourth.”
• Bike & Roll to School Day (May 7th): Get the whole family rolling! There’s no better way to start the school day that with some fresh air and pedal strokes.
• Bike to Work Week (May 12th-18th): Try a new way to get to and from work this week! Commuting by bike is a fantastic way to get exercise, reduce your carbon footprint, and start your day with a smile.
• Bike to Work Day (May 16th): Free snacks, a chorus of ringing bells, bike lanes packed with smiles – our favorite day! Join bike commuters nationwide as we demonstrate the joy of saying “I Biked” today. 

Introducing Our Fresh New Look!

To celebrate Bike Month 2025, we’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new graphics and look for May. We’ve also updated our Bike Month guide which features 31 different ways to celebrate biking during May.

Our new graphics are designed to be easily shareable and adaptable for all your Bike Month activities. You’ll find everything you need on our website, including:

• Social media images
• Printable posters
• Digital banners
• And more!

We encourage you to use these resources to spread the word and get your community excited about Bike Month, whether you’re organizing a group ride, promoting Bike to Work Day, or simply sharing your bike joy online.

Get Involved!

Check out our Bike Month Guide for many ways to activate your community during Bike Month. Here are a few ideas:

• Organize a Bike Rodeo for kids in your community 
• Encourage your workplace to participate in Bike to Work Week
• Host a community bike gear swap
• Ask your city council to proclaim May as Bike Month

Let’s make this Bike Month the best one yet! We can’t wait to see you on the pavement, gravel, or dirt.

The post Bike Month is Coming and We’ve Got a Fresh New Look appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

Amongst all the news coming out of Washington, we want to make sure you know about the latest administration action that will impact the safety of people who bike. 

Last week, an internal memo began circulating at the U.S. Department of Transportation directing an agency-wide review of competitive grants, to ensure all awarded projects for which funding has not been fully obligated are aligned with the administration’s Executive Orders aimed at removing DEI and “green new deal” related projects. This memo will significantly impact bicycle infrastructure by mandating a review and potential removal of funding from projects that prioritize it. 

Essentially, this memo identifies bicycle infrastructure as “green new deal” or climate related. It puts a pause on transportation projects whose “eligible activities included bicycle infrastructure”. The agency’s review teams are instructed to “flag any project scope elements or activities for potential removal, including: Project activities such as equity analysis, green infrastructure, bicycle infrastructure, EV and/or EV charging infrastructure.” 

For now, projects funded through programs with a statutory scope which includes bicycle infrastructure – so programs like Transportation Alternatives – should be unaffected. But other discretionary funding such as Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants, RAISE grants, and Reconnecting Communities grants are all at risk because their statutes do not specifically include bicycle infrastructure as an eligible activity. 

But potentially thousands of bike safety projects already approved for federal funding may never break ground to transform dangerous streets. Projects already in progress could stop immediately and may never start back up again. 

The targeted bicycle infrastructure projects are not top-down mandates, they are bottom-up requests for funding. Local communities have identified a need for bicycle infrastructure and applied for the grants to build it. Those grants were approved and should continue to receive the funding they were allocated. 

The League is working through our state and local partners to learn more about the projects on the ground that are at risk. With our national partners, we’re putting pressure on the administration to continue funding these essential bike projects. 

Your voice matters, too. Sign our petition calling on Secretary Sean Duffy and the U.S. Department of Transportation to enable states and communities to do the work to make their roads and streets safer and better for everyone. 

The post How a Washington Memo Could Stall Your Bike Lanes  appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

By Calvin Thigpen, PhD, Lime Director of Policy Research

Lime, in collaboration with the League of American Bicyclists, is launching the second year of the Lime Mobility Insights Competition. This innovative partnership seeks to empower one to three U.S. communities by leveraging comprehensive datasets and expert analyses to address critical transportation issues such as safety, equity and accessibility.

A Mission for the Future

At Lime, our mission is to build a future where transportation is shared, affordable and carbon-free. Through strategic partnerships with cities and communities across the globe, we’ve dedicated ourselves to understanding and mitigating the challenges faced by urban mobility systems. From discounted fare programs to safety enhancement protocols, our efforts are grounded in a commitment to making cities more safe, equitable and sustainable for everyone.

The Competition: A Catalyst for Change and Innovation

Lime regularly collaborates with cities, sharing data and insights to foster improvement in urban mobility, and this competition takes our existing efforts a step further. 

In 2024, Lime and the League of American Bicyclists debuted the Mobility Insights Competition, selecting Washington, D.C. and Bloomington, Indiana as the two winning cities. The 2024 report’s findings emphasize the profound role that bike lanes and dedicated micromobility parking play in improving road safety and increasing ridership. In particular, the report focused on three core insights: 

Insight #1: Micromobility users prefer bike lanes 

As DC and Bloomington built bike lanes, ridership on those streets increased dramatically compared to similar streets without bike lanes.

Insight #2: Safety outcomes are improving

Lime rider-reported safety incidents in Washington, D.C. decreased significantly between 2021 and 2024, as Lime riders increased their use of bike lanes by 38% over the same time period, showing the value of protective infrastructure.

Insight #3: Parking corrals boost compliance 

Where parking corrals were added in Washington, D.C., parking concentration increased by 60%. If you build it, riders will use it!

To learn more, read the full “Lessons from Lime Data” report or watch the webinar featuring the 2024 Mobility Insights Competition winners!

2025 Competition Offerings

In 2025, Lime and the League of American Bicyclists will again select one to three cities to receive unique access to both Lime’s comprehensive datasets on travel, safety and surveys, as well as the expert knowledge from Lime’s team and the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program. This partnership focuses on tackling the prevalent challenges cities face, offering:

• Access to extensive datasets: Participants can delve into Lime’s detailed trip, safety and survey data, unlocking new insights and understanding mobility patterns in unprecedented ways.
• Expert collaboration: The competition enables working closely with leading urban planners and researchers from Lime, along with the experienced professionals from the League’s Bicycle Friendly America team. This synergy aims to blend data-driven insights with practical experience to confront and solve urban mobility challenges.
• Tailored solutions: Communities will benefit from receiving custom reports or presentations, designed to address their specific needs and challenges. This personalized approach ensures that the solutions are not only relevant but also actionable.
• Opportunity to showcase work: A significant part of the competition is the chance to present findings and achievements in a webinar, co-hosted by Lime and the League. This platform is an excellent way to share successes and lessons learned with a broader audience, underlining the commitment to sustainable mobility.

Through this initiative, Lime and the League of American Bicyclists invite communities to rethink transportation, leveraging both data and expert knowledge to drive meaningful change.

Eligibility 

Eligibility for the Mobility Insights Competition extends to U.S. communities that are Lime cities and are also current or aspiring members of the Bicycle Friendly America program. These criteria ensure that participants are already aligned with the principles of sustainable and accessible urban mobility.

How to apply

Interested communities should mark their calendars—the application deadline is April 18, 2025, at 5pm PT. The winners will be announced in May. 

Apply now!

For additional details or inquiries, please reach out to bfa@bikeleague.org.

The post From Data to Action: Applications Now Open for the 2025 Lime Mobility Insights Competition appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.