Rep. Huffman Introduces Bill to Invest in Active Transportation Infrastructure on Public Lands

Statement

Today, Representative Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) introduced the Active Transportation for Public Lands Act, a bill to address the need for safe bicycling and walking paths on federal public lands. The Active Transportation for Public Lands Act would provide new transportation options in our nation's public lands by dedicating 5% of Federal Lands Transportation Program funds for construction of pedestrian and bicycle trails and other non-motorized transportation infrastructure.

"America's public lands are home to some of the most beautiful vistas in the United States, including many in my own district, which encompasses the iconic California coast, wild rivers, and ancient redwoods," said Rep. Huffman. "America's national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges welcome millions of visitors every year, but often lack adequate infrastructure for those who want to walk or cycle through them. It's time we invest in infrastructure that gives everyone a choice in how to visit, and travel through, America's amazing public lands."

Hundreds of millions of people visit public lands annually for outdoor recreation and tourism. Currently, the Federal Lands Transportation Program does not require any minimum amount of funding goes to active transportation (walking, cycling, and other non-motorized transportation). A 2018 survey report by People for Bikes found that 51% of U.S. adults want to ride more often and that 47% would be more likely to do so if bike pathways were safer.

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