$4.7 billion for bikes: Where the battles for active travel infrastructure were won and lost

Just prior to the outcome of the US presidential election Americans approved some $4.7 billion in local spend for active travel facilities.

Each region will benefit in different ways, something outlined in a detailed county-by-county analysis by PeopleForBikes. 

California, for example, has both wins and losses, with perhaps the most interesting centering on a half a cent sales tax increase in Los Angeles County that will fund the county’s infrastructure for the next 40 years. As part of this plan $3.9 billion is set for cycling infrastructure.

Sadly some districts haven’t been quite so progressive, with Florida voting down $100 million in county-wide funding for bike lanes and traffic calming measures. The proposed 1% sales tax rate for the next 30 years proved too much of a sticking point for voters.

Other success stories include:

• Austin, Texas: $120 million in bike and pedestrian projects, including the progression of a Safe Routes to School program will now move forwards.
• Atlanta, Georgia: Voters in Atlanta decided to move forward with a .4 cent sales tax increase for four years, which looks set to raise $213 million for active travel infrastructure and initiatives. The Beltline Trail and investment in bikeshare are two beneficiaries.
• Rhode Island: A $10 million expansion of the state’s cycling infrastructure looks set to move forward as part of a wider £35 million Green Economy Bond.
• Grand Haven, Michigan: Hot on the heels of new that bike lanes boost property prices, Grand Haven voters voted to add a property tax of 45 cents per $1,000 of valuation for the next 20 years. With around $300,000 estimated to become available annually, this will open up a pot of around $6 million for investment.
• Back to Los Angeles and California’s Measure A will see continued investment in the county’s trail network. Around $94.5 million per year is expected to be set aside for upgrades to the network and new paths.

Catch the full summary of the winners and losers here.

To read our analysis of how Donald Trump’s election victory might otherwise affect the cycling business, click here.