WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The League of American Bicyclists is urging Congress to explain why the Department of Transportation is no longer encouraging states and local governments to provide safety measures like bike lanes.
Last week, the USDOT removed information about bike lanes, road diets, and speed management from its Proven Safety Countermeasures website. These measures, according to the League, are effective physical modifications implemented on roads and highways that keep cyclists safe.
"For instance, if you were able to read the now-removed bike lanes one-pager, you would find that bicycle lane additions can reduce all crashes — not just bicyclist crashes — up to 49% for total crashes on urban four-lane undivided collectors and local roads, and 30% for total crashes on urban two-lane undivided collectors and local roads," according to the League. "That (Federal Highway Administration) document from 2023 also notes studies and experience in cities has found that adding bike lanes to roads did not cause congestion."
Speed management countermeasures also contributed to fewer crashes, the League added.
"By taking down these strategies, the Federal Highway Administration is effectively telling states and local governments that they no longer encourage states and local governments to invest in safety," according to the League. "No extent of erasure will change the physics that make speed management critical to safer streets. Removing countermeasures is like turning the light off. Communities unaware of the guidance will see crashes — ones we know can be prevented through proven countermeasures — and lives will be lost as a result.
"USDOT needs to explain why it is putting politics ahead of safety."
Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), the ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, on Thursday asked for a briefing from the USDOT about why the safety measures are no longer encouraged.
"It's not political to say bike lanes and speed cameras improve safety; it's a statement of fact," Larsen wrote in a statement.
The League is asking for help in echoing Larsen's statement by urging cyclists and industry members to contact their members of Congress. "We deserve an explanation on why the administration is erasing protections for vulnerable road users," according to the League.
