Virginia bicyclists scored a major win for the future of active transportation in the state. Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board, the organization responsible for approving and funding transportation projects in Virginia, voted yesterday to prioritize federal transportation funds for “core transportation functions”. Bike and pedestrian projects are a major part of this focus.
The unanimous vote was important victory for VBF.
Transportation Enhancements are an important funding source for bike projects. States receive these funds as part of their federal highway allotment. Federal guidelines allow states to allocate these funds to twelve different categories of projects, including facilities for bicycles and pedestrians; and safety, landscaping, removal of outdoor signs, etc.
In these tight economic times, the board felt it best to focus these funds on the following categories:
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Education
- Landscaping and Scenic Beautification along Corridors
- Preservation of Abandoned Railway Corridors for Conversion to Trails (rails to trails and rails-with-trails)
- Rehabilitation of historic transportation buildings, structures and facilities; and,
- Acquisition of scenic or historic easements and sites, including historic battlefields.
The Board indicated that they want to fund fewer projects, but make sure that they support these core transportation functions, and insure funded projects are completed.
Since 1993, approximately $270 M has been spent on a total of 817 projects.
Bike advocates from across Virginia addressed the Board in support of these changes.
With a focus on core transportation, this move could help create a number of important new bike facilities and trails across Virginia.
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