Press Release: Bill to Strengthen Walking and Biking Programs, AB 2168, Headed to Governor’s Desk
Bill would bolster California’s premier safe streets program by improving transit connections, stretching limited funding further, and holding delayed projects accountable
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SACRAMENTO — The California Bicycle Coalition today celebrated the full legislative approval of AB 2168, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks and sponsored by CalBike, sending the bill to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.
AB 2168 strengthens California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP), the state’s primary source of dedicated funding for walking and biking infrastructure, by sharpening how projects are chosen, funded and delivered.
“California communities are lining up with worthy projects to make streets safer and give people better ways to get around, but the Active Transportation Program has nowhere near enough funding to meet the demand of qualified, worthy projects in the pipeline,” said Kendra Ramsey, Executive Director of CalBike. “AB 2168 doesn’t solve that funding gap, but it does help California get more from every dollar we invest.”
AB 2168 would strengthen the ATP by:
- Expanding and modernizing the program’s focus on safe walking and biking connections to public transportation
- Encouraging larger and more connected improvements by aligning ATP project corridors with State Transportation Improvement Program funding
- Improve accountability through progressive penalties for agencies that repeatedly fail to use awarded ATP funds in a timely manner
The legislation is indicative of a rising consensus that California must make its existing transportation dollars work together. AB 2168 has drawn support from active transportation, environmental, safety, and community organizations across California, as well as the California Big City Mayors Coalition.
CalBike urges Governor Newsom to sign AB 2168 into law.
About the California Bicycle Coalition
The California Bicycle Coalition advocates for equitable, inclusive, and prosperous communities where bicycling helps enable all Californians to lead healthy and joyful lives.
