SACRAMENTO, California (May 29, 2024) — In a significant move, the California legislature released its budget proposal today, reversing the severe cuts to the Active Transportation Program (ATP) that were initially suggested in the Governor’s Budget. Instead of slashing funds, the legislature plans to compensate for these cuts by reallocating state highway funding. This decision has been warmly welcomed by CalBike, which has long advocated for the ATP and its essential role in supporting walking and bicycling projects across the state.
CalBike Responds to Legislative Support
CalBike’s policy director, Jared Sanchez, expressed his gratitude: “I’m glad the legislature recognized the value of the Active Transportation Program. The legislature heard from its constituents and saved a popular program many local communities rely on to fund infrastructure projects.”
Jeanie Ward-Waller, a consultant for CalBike, highlighted the broader implications: “The ATP is critical to meeting California’s climate goals and addressing the crisis of rising pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities on our roadways, especially in disadvantaged communities across the state. We commend the Legislature for their strong support of shifting funding from car-centric infrastructure to improve walking and biking.”
The Importance of the Active Transportation Program
The Active Transportation Program is a vital competitive funding source designed to enhance biking and walking safety. It distributes approximately $500 million in each two-year funding cycle, supporting a range of projects aimed at improving non-motorized transportation infrastructure.
In 2022, the ATP received a substantial one-time funding boost of $1.05 billion from the general fund budget surplus, which increased the total for Cycle 6 to $1.6 billion. Despite this boost, the ATP remains chronically underfunded and oversubscribed, leaving many valuable projects unfunded.
Budget Battles and the Future of ATP
In 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a $300 million cut from the ATP’s one-time general fund boost. However, the legislature and the Governor reached a compromise to backfill this cut from the State Highway Account, ensuring no reductions in the final budget for the ATP.
The tension continued into January 2024, when the governor initially proposed cutting $200 million from the ATP. This amount was dramatically increased to $600 million in the May Revise, a cut that threatened to delay and potentially cancel projects awarded in Cycle 6 and could eliminate an entire future cycle of ATP grants.
Critically, no cuts were proposed for highway projects that contribute to increased vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions. This is despite the fact that California’s transportation budget is well-funded, bolstered by substantial federal and state funds.
A Step Forward for Active Transportation
The legislature’s decision to restore funding to the ATP underscores the importance of active transportation in California’s future. By prioritizing walking and biking infrastructure, the state is not only promoting safer, more sustainable travel but also making strides toward its climate goals and addressing pressing public safety issues.
CalBike and its supporters remain vigilant and hopeful that this legislative support will translate into continued commitment to the Active Transportation Program, ensuring that essential projects receive the funding they need to succeed.
