ACT NOW: Save Safe Cycling Act Funds
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program is at risk. Here's what you can do to help.
by Anne Savage, New York Bicycling Coalition
In March, we warned you that critical federal funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure was at risk. Unfortunately, things remain tenuous. In March the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently added “bicycle” to a list of politically sensitive terms in federal grant applications, and in April, the US House is considering a reconciliation bill that would claw back funds from the important Reconnecting Communities Grants, impacting as much as $425 M already announced work in NYS. All of this complicates the future of active transportation projects - everything from protected bike lanes to sidewalks!
But there is still a path forward: the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program | US Department of Transportation grant program. If you or your community are considering safety improvements, this could be one of the most important funding opportunities of the year. Don’t delay, the application deadline is June 26! Learn more or apply for SS4A here.
What Is SS4A—and Why It Matters
Created under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the SS4A program is designed to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries by supporting local and regional safety projects. These funds can support a wide range of projects, including: protected bike lanes, safer pedestrian crossings, traffic calming and school zone redesigns, community engagement and safety education. If you think your community could benefit from this funding, reach out to your local planning department, but don’t delay. Time is short.
Get Guidance: SS4A Webinars
USDOT is hosting several webinars this spring to help potential applicants. All sessions are free and recorded for later access. See the full schedule and register for the Webinar Series Webinar Series: Safe Streets and Roads for All Grants | US Department of Transportation.
Vision Zero will also be offering a helpful webinar for those wishing to learn more Vision Zero Network Webinar this webinar will also be recorded if you missed: "Leveraging SS4A" April 29, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET Register here Leveraging SS4A Funding for Safe Streets | Vision Zero Network.
While there are significant challenges to accessing federal funding for cycling right now, the SS4A program is the best way to try to move your community’s efforts forward. Please reach out to your contacts in local and regional leadership and make sure they are aware of this grant opportunity, and don’t miss the June 26 deadline!
The New York Bicycling Coalition is the only statewide organization focused primarily on cycling. Our unique role is to unite, inspire, and support the New York cycling community and to provide a cohesive voice for people who ride bikes across New York State. We work closely with the New York Safe Streets Coalition to advocate for safe streets for everyone in New York.
Find us at www.nybc.net, https://www.facebook.com/nybicyclingcoalition, or https://www.instagram.com/nybicyclingcoalition
