Billions in Funding Advanced for Bikes in Federal Votes on Infrastructure and Reconciliation Bills

After months of debate and negotiations, the U.S. House of Representatives made progress on trillions of dollars in infrastructure and government spending, including billions in programming and incentives for bikes. Approved late Friday night, the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) heads to President Biden to sign into law. 

Congressional leaders also moved through an initial, procedural vote for the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better Act (BBB), setting billions more for climate and equity-focused infrastructure grants, a tax credit for electric bicycles and a bicycle commuter benefit; slated for a full House vote by November 15.

PeopleForBikes applauds this action from Congressional leaders and champions for bicycles in Congress. To meet the growing demand for bicycles and safe places to ride, the IIJA must be matched with the BBB, which holds billions of dollars more for equity, climate resiliency and tax incentives for electric bicycles and bike commuting. 

“We’re pleased to see Congress and the administration advance billions of new dollars for bike lanes, trails and safer streets with the IIJA,” said Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes president and CEO. “Partnered with the Build Back Better Act, these packages are poised to reduce our nation’s reliance on carbon emissions, enhance equitable mobility and address the continued demand for safe, connected places to bike.”

The IIJA includes a five-year transportation authorization bill, which was set to expire on December 3, 2021, ensuring funding for critical programs like Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails continues without lapsing. PeopleForBikes outlined the specifics of what the bipartisan bill includes — and what it doesn’t — in a recent blog.

The House intends to vote on the BBB after the Congressional Budget Office releases the score of the bill. It still requires approval from Senate Democrats, creating more opportunities for amendments and cuts. PeopleForBikes continues to advocate for the inclusion of the full E-BIKE Act, the Bicycle Commuter Act and infrastructure grants to build safe, connected bike networks nationwide.