Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Active Transportation Program

Other States Forfeit Federal Funds for Walking and Biking

Georgia DOT forfeited more than $4 million in federal funds earmarked for biking and walking that could have been used to improve safety on roads like this. Transportation for America/Flickr

Millions of dollars that should have gone toward building safer sidewalks or bike lanes near schools were instead forfeited by state DOTs that couldn't get their acts together.

That's according to data compiled by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. The 2012 federal transportation bill gave states four years to spend funds from the "Transportation Alternatives" program -- the name for small pot of money for walking and biking infrastructure. The hard deadline was October 1.

In total, states returned $28 million intended for biking and walking to the federal government instead of spending to make neighborhoods safer and healthier.

While most state DOTs executed the program properly, a significant number left money unspent. Here are the states that dropped the ball and returned bike/ped money to the feds:

    • Alaska: $5.2 million
    • Arizona: $1 million
    • Georgia: $4.4 million
    • Maryland: $2.5 million
    • New Hampshire: $2.5 million
    • New Jersey: $6.2 million
    • North Carolina: $4 million
    • South Carolina: $1.3 million

New Mexico, Vermont, Hawaii, Arkansas, and South Dakota also forfeited money, though not significant amounts.

In addition, many states choose to transfer Transportation Alternatives funds to road and bridge projects. In total, states shifted about 18 percent of the funding in the program to projects that are not primarily for walking and biking. Safe Routes has also produced an accounting of these transfers [PDF].

Given the rising number of pedestrian deaths nationwide, it's unconscionable to leave money on the table. Even small amounts can go far for walking and biking infrastructure.

"States who allowed this to happen forfeited money meant for safety and transportation by simply not planning ahead," writes Safe Routes' Deputy Director Margo Pedroso. "Advocates know that there are indeed Safe Routes to School, biking and walking projects that could desperately use these funds, but the state DOT did not fulfill its responsibilities to ensure the TAP money was obligated in time."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Wednesday’s Headlines

Headlines are dominated by red lights and Trump.

October 15, 2025

The Audacious Idea to Connect America With Trails Is More Necessary Now Than Ever

Seattle's bike blogger takes a ride on some of Washington's best rail trails — and makes the case for extending the "Great American Rail Trail" across the country.

October 14, 2025

What was signed: More Cameras, Faster Builds for Transit/Bike/Ped, More Time for Breathalyzers after DUI’s

He may have waited to the last second, but the Governor made some big news and made big promises yesterday.

October 14, 2025

Gov’s Signature on SB 63 Launches Campaign to Fund Transit

There will be a ballot measure to fund Bay Area transit in November of 2026. But now the real work begins: building support, gathering signatures, and getting a majority of voters to approve it.

October 14, 2025

Huntington and Fremont to get Complete Street Redesigns in South Pasadena

Early concepts portray lush, green streets - with pedestrian, bike, and bus facilities.

October 14, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines

More on some of the legislation signed before the deadline, and we'll have a final wrap later today.

October 14, 2025
See all posts