WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The five-year, $305 billion tranportation bill passed by Congress Thursday contains increased funding for bike-related projects, totaling $835 million annually for the first two years and $850 million annually for the last three years, according to PeopleForBikes.
"Cities big and small, from coast to coast, recognize the economic benefits of adding bike infrastructure," said PeopleForBikes president Tim Blumenthal. "We thank Congress for approving a multi-year transportation bill that will support thousands of these cost-effective bike projects to improve mobility, attract and retain businesses, and boost recreation and tourism."
President Obama is expected to sign the bill, which cleared the Senate 83-16 after a 359-65 vote in the House earlier in the day.
It's the first long-term transportation bill passed in 10 years.
Most of the bike funding is in the Transportation Alternatives Program, which survived several attempts at cutting it. Lobbying by bike groups, including a letter-writing campaign organized by PeopleForBikes, helped preserve that program, the organization said.
