The Safe Bus Routes to School Act directs federal transportation funds toward improving safety for students traveling to and from school. It allows states to use money for building safer sidewalks, crossing areas, and bus stops, as well as for running public awareness campaigns and traffic education programs. Additionally, the bill ensures that these safety projects are included in the list of eligible uses for federal highway improvement grants. This legislation directly affects local education agencies and state transportation departments by expanding their ability to fund infrastructure and educational initiatives that protect students on school bus routes.
This bill, titled the Parks to People Active Transportation Act, directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to create a competitive grant program for building and improving greenway paths that connect communities. Eligible organizations such as state and local governments, regional planning councils, and Indian Tribes can apply for funding to construct hard-surfaced walkways, bikeways, or shared-use paths that cross jurisdictional lines and link to public transit. The program prioritizes projects that reduce vehicle congestion, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and address disparities in access to jobs, schools, and recreational opportunities for low-income and minority communities. Grants may cover up to 80 percent of project costs, with higher funding levels available for rural areas and communities with high poverty rates, and the legislation authorizes $300 million annually from 2027 through 2031 to support these initiatives.
The Bike the Border Act requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian crossings at the Gordie Howe International Bridge (connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario) within one year of enactment. It mandates CBP to expedite these non-motorized border crossings and directs the GAO to report on CBP’s progress, including whether facilitation has occurred and recommendations for improvement. The bill specifically targets crossings at this bridge, aiming to streamline processes for cyclists and pedestrians. It does not alter border security rules but focuses on improving efficiency for non-motorized traffic. A GAO report due 18 months after enactment will assess implementation and suggest further steps.
The Complete Streets Act of 2025 requires states to establish programs that provide technical assistance and grants for local governments, transit agencies, and other eligible entities to develop and implement street projects accommodating all transportation modes. The bill mandates that these projects prioritize safety for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in underserved communities, and must follow new design standards including protected bike lanes, accessible sidewalks, and proper lighting. States must dedicate 5% of certain federal transportation funds to support these initiatives and report on progress to the federal government. The law establishes specific deadlines for implementing these standards on new road projects, with phased requirements for different types of projects and locations. This legislation aims to create streets that safely serve people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including those who walk, bike, take transit, or drive.
HRES 798 designates the week of September 15-21, 2025, as "Rail Safety Week" in the U.S. to raise public awareness about highway-rail grade crossing safety. The resolution supports existing efforts - led by organizations like Operation Lifesaver - to reduce incidents, fatalities, and injuries at railroad crossings, citing 2024 data showing 2,260 incidents with 260 deaths. It encourages the public to participate in safety events and learn about safe practices around tracks, without creating new laws or funding. The bill directly affects the general public by promoting education and caution at crossings, aligning with ongoing industry and government safety initiatives.
HR 4116, the Disability Access to Transportation Act, requires transit agencies to implement a pilot program improving specialized transportation services for people with disabilities. The bill mandates shorter "one-stop" trips with 15-minute stops to reduce wait times, real-time tracking, and same-day ride booking - addressing current issues like long pickup windows and lack of day-of service options (Section 3). It also establishes standardized complaint procedures for disability-related transportation discrimination, requiring online, phone, and mail filing options, and requires transit providers to display complaint resources (Section 5). Additionally, the bill creates a data pilot program to measure accessibility across transportation modes and demographics, aiming to inform future planning (Section 6).
HR 4904, the PHASE Act of 2025, mandates a federal study on physical pedestrian safety measures in areas with high crash rates, then creates a $5 million annual grant program for cities, tribes, and municipalities to fund pedestrian infrastructure. Grants support specific upgrades like accessible sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, improved lighting, and traffic signal modifications that comply with ADA standards. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities through infrastructure changes. It requires a congressional briefing on study results within two years of enactment.
This bill increases federal funding for projects improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It allows states and local governments to use highway funds for connecting existing bike/pedestrian infrastructure (clause xxix) or reducing safety risks to vulnerable road users (clause xxx), with federal funding covering up to 100% of costs for these projects. The bill also creates flexible financing options, letting local safety plans (like Complete Streets or Vision Zero plans) count toward required local funding shares. It directly affects state transportation agencies and local governments administering federal highway safety programs. The key change is making 100% federal funding available for qualifying pedestrian and cyclist safety projects.
The MOVE Act requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to study how micromobility devices (like e-scooters, e-bikes, and electric skateboards) impact road safety, particularly for children, young adults, and other vulnerable road users. It mandates the creation of best practices and a public education program covering device safety, speed limits (max 20 mph for micromobility), and state laws on age, helmets, and registration. The bill also updates federal safety programs to include emerging micromobility safety issues. It directly affects nonmotorized road users and micromobility device operators by providing safety guidance based on data, not by changing existing laws. The focus is on improving safety awareness through education, not imposing new regulations.
HR 5452, the Safe Streets for All Reauthorization and Improvement Act, modifies the existing Safe Streets and Roads for All program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It requires at least 20% of annual program funds starting in fiscal year 2024 to support projects focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety, and extends funding authorization with $5 billion allocated for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The bill directly affects local governments and communities applying for grants to improve street safety infrastructure. Key changes include mandating specific funding allocations for walkable/bikeable projects and securing long-term financial commitments for the program. This is a procedural funding amendment, not a new policy initiative.
