Overview

Federal legislation in Title 23 of the United States Code Section 217 provides the funding mechanisms, planning requirements, and policy tools necessary to create more walkable and bicycle-friendly communities. Here you will find a description of the legislation, the key provisions of the law, and links to resources to help you better understand the goals and requirements of this legislation.

On this page:

• Description
• Legislation and Regulations
• Funding
• Summaries
• Interagency Agreements

Description

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions of the Federal-Aid Program
  Section 217 of Title 23 of the U.S. Code calls for the integration of bicycling and walking into the transportation mainstream. More importantly, it enhances the ability of communities to invest in projects that can improve the safety and practicality of bicycling and walking for everyday travel. Learn more about:
  • Funding Sources for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects
  • Federal/State Matching Requirements
  • Planning for Bicycling and Walking
  • Policy and Program Provisions
  • Facility Design Guidance
  • Research, Special Studies, and Reports

Legislation and Regulations

• Title 23 United States Code § 217
  Legislation related to Bicycle Transportation and Pedestrian Walkways.

• Title 23 of Code of Federal Regulations Part 652 implements Title 23 United States Code § 217
  Note: Portions of 652 are out of date. FHWA plans to initiate rulemaking to update and change the regulations after the next Reauthorization.

• FHWA Legislation
  Legislation related to other FHWA Programs.

Funding

• Federal-Aid Highway Program Funding for Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities and Programs - FY 1992 to 2007

• Federal-Aid Highway Program Funding for Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities and Programs - FY 1988 to 1991 (Pre-ISTEA)

• FHWA/FTA Memorandum (February 6, 2006)
  Flexible Funding for Highways, Transit, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Activities includes a summary of funding sources and options for transferring funds between FHWA and FTA programs.

• FHWA and FTA Funds That May be Used for Bicycle and Pedestrian Activities

Summaries

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Research and Program Activities
  Prepared for the 2009 Annual TRB Meeting

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Research and Program Activities
  Prepared for the 2008 Annual TRB Meeting Pedestrian Committee and Bicycle Transportation Committee.

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Research and Program Activities
  Prepared for the 2007 Annual TRB Meeting

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Research and Program Activities
  Prepared for the 2006 Annual TRB Meeting

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Research and Program Activities
  Prepared for the 2005 Annual TRB Meeting

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian and Bicycle Research and Program Activities
  Prepared for the 2004 TRB Meeting

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian & Bicyclist Activities
  Prepared for 2003 Transportation Research Board Meeting

• Summary of FHWA Pedestrian & Bicyclist Activities
  Prepared for 2002 Transportation Research Board Meeting

• Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions Summary
  A summary of Federal bicycle and pedestrian provisions and funding programs

• TrailLink 2005 - Federal Highway Administration Presentation by Cynthia J. Burbank

Interagency Agreements

• Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Public Health and Recreation (HTML / PDF 54 KB)
  The Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Interior, Army, and Transportation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote uses and benefits of the Nation's public lands and water resources to enhance the physical and mental health and well being of all Americans, through sound nutrition, physical activity, and recreation in America's great outdoors. See Bicycle & Pedestrian Program Links for links to health and recreation resources.

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