This bill makes it easier and cheaper for states and communities to build and improve infrastructure that protects people who walk and bike. Right now, federal funding for road safety projects typically covers only a portion of the costs, with states and local governments picking up the rest. This bill changes that by allowing the federal government to cover up to 100% of the cost for certain projects focused on protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

Specifically, the bill expands what counts as a safety project eligible for full federal funding. This includes connecting existing bike lanes or sidewalks together, and projects that reduce dangers for people walking or biking based on local safety plans. The bill also recognizes various types of safety planning documents—like Vision Zero plans, Complete Streets plans, and ADA accessibility transition plans—as valid reasons to qualify for this funding.

Additionally, the bill allows states to use federal safety funds toward projects in more flexible ways. For example, if a community has identified a dangerous intersection for pedestrians and wants to add proven safety features like protected bike lanes or improved crossings, they can now use federal money to cover the entire project cost instead of having to find local funding to match federal dollars. This removes a major barrier that has prevented many communities from making their streets safer for people who walk and bike.