Use of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program Funds for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) receives occasional inquiries about whether CMAQ funds can be used for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Nonmotorized Projects are eligible to receive CMAQ funds. Bicycle and pedestrian projects have been and continue to be eligible for CMAQ funding. As stated in 23 U.S.C. 217 (a), "Use Of STP And Congestion Mitigation Program Funds.--Subject to project approval by the Secretary, a State may obligate funds apportioned to it under sections 104(b)(2) [i.e., CMAQ] and 104(b)(3) [i.e., STP] of this title for construction of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities and for carrying out nonconstruction projects related to safe bicycle use." In addition, according to FHWA's Final Program Guidance for the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (October 2008), the following nonmotorized projects are examples of eligible CMAQ activities:

• "Constructing bicycle and pedestrian facilities (paths, bike racks, support facilities, etc.) that are not exclusively recreational and reduce vehicle trips
• Non-construction outreach related to safe bicycle use
• Establishing and funding State bicycle/pedestrian coordinator positions for promoting and facilitating nonmotorized transportation modes through public education, safety programs, etc. (Limited to one full-time position per State)."

This project list is not exhaustive and additional bicycle and pedestrian projects may be eligible to use CMAQ funds.

All States that use CMAQ funds are required to submit an annual report to explain how these funds have been invested. One of the seven main project categories is "Pedestrian/Bicycle: bikeways, storage facilities, promotional activities."

Increased Use of CMAQ Funds for Nonmotorized Projects over Time
Since CMAQ's inception in 1991, bicycle and pedestrian projects have been eligible activities. According to the CMAQ project database, the amount of CMAQ funding used on these projects has grown during this time from about $9.7 million dollars in Fiscal Year 1992 to $69.5 million in Fiscal Year 2008.

Additional Information
Images of CMAQ-funded bicycle and pedestrian projects can be found in the Photo Library by selecting "Bike/ped" as the Category type.

If you require additional information, please contact:

Mike Koontz
CMAQ Program Manager

Or

Gabe Rousseau
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager

To provide Feedback, Suggestions, or Comments for this page contact Gabe Rousseau at gabe.rousseau@dot.gov.