TLC to lead Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program

The federal govenment is providing up to $25 million over four years to expand bicycle and pedestrian networks in Minneapolis and some neighboring communities. Transit for Livable Communities was chosen to lead program.

(December 15, 2005) -

The federal transportation bill enacted this August authorized a new Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program in four communities - Minneapolis-St. Paul; Sheboygan, WI; Marin County, CA; and Columbia, MO. The law specified that Transit for Livable Communities will lead the program in Minnesota.

Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar, the lead Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, championed the inclusion of this pilot program in the federal legislation. He also successfully fought for other non-motorized transportation programs, including the $600 million Safe Routes to Schools Program, which will promote bicycling and walking for children nationally.

With the Non-motorized Transportation Program, each community will receive up to $25 million over four years to develop a network of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and trails. The program will focus on Minneapolis and connecting transportation corridors in surrounding communities.

The program will test how these infrastructure improvements, combined with public promotion and education, can increase the use of bicycling and walking. Congress also wants Non-motorized Transportation Program communities to study the impact that these measures have on traffic congestion, energy use, health, and the environment. Results will create models of best practices that can be used locally and nationally.

As the lead agency for the Non-motorized Transportation Program in Minnesota, TLC will be able to leverage its reputation for promoting transportation choices, including its previous work on bicycling and walking. In particular, TLC’s 2003 report Sharing the Road: Encouraging Bicycling and Walking in Minnesota outlined many types of improvements the new pilot program could support.

The McKnight Foundation, which funded both the development of the Sharing the Road report and Minnesota’s first Safe Routes to School pilot programs, has provided $25,000 to TLC to support its initial Non-motorized Transportation Program planning.

Since the Non-motorized Transportation Program is new, guidelines are still being developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the agency charged with the program’s implementation. Eligible projects could include infrastructure, education, promotion, and planning. TLC will work with the FHWA, MNDOT, the Met Council and local stakeholders to incorporate a broad range of voices in the decision making process. Depending on the results of those discussions, funding should be available for projects in the summer of 2006.

If you have questions about the Non-motorized Transportation Program please contact TLC Program Director Barb Thoman (barbt@tlcminnesota.org).