Electric bicycles—or e-bikes—are becoming increasingly popular nationwide. These bikes look like traditional bicycles but are equipped with an electric motor that can be used to assist the rider. While there are a variety of e-bike types—ranging from pedal-assist, which simply give riders a boost, to bikes with throttles that allow users to choose to pedal […]

Introduction Rail-trails are subject to a unique, and occasionally complex, mixture of federal and state law. Many rail-trail conversions are “railbanked” under Section 8(d) of the National Trails System Act, often called “the Railbanking Act” or the “Rails-to-Trails Act.” This important federal law, enacted by Congress in 1983 to preserve established railroad corridors for interim […]

As part of a major increase in the gas tax and transportation revenue, California increased funding to its novel, consolidated Active Transportation Program by $100,000,000 per year. Passed. Related: California Active Transportation Fund

The legislation would establish a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Advisory Council to improve safety and make bicycling and walking viable forms of transportation. Passed one chamber. 

This Maryland legislation establishes a scoring system for ranking state transportation, cycling and pedestrian projects. Vetoed. 

The New Jersey budget for FY 2016-2017 includes $1.9 million for National Recreational Trails. 

2016 Budget Bill, including $165 million Active Transportation Program (ATP) within state department of transportation for local assistance and capital outlay, from State Highway Account and Federal Trust Fund. Passed.

Fuel tax and vehicle fee increase with portion of revenue to counties and municipalities; local option gas tax authorized. Did not pass. According to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy analysis, Alabama gas taxes are restricted to highway uses, but may allow for some on-road bicycle facilities. Local option funding may have greater discretion.

This bill would have raised the gas tax by 10 cents and cut the state’s income taxes by 2 percentage points over 10 years. Failed. Read the legislation.

The bill creates the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Grant Program with a one-time appropriation from the General Fund of $5 million. Passed.