Active transportation, encompassing walking, biking, and other non-motorized modes, is gaining increasing prominence in urban planning and development. California, recognizing the multifaceted benefits of active transport, established the Active Transportation Program (ATP) to promote its adoption across the state. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing public health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving the quality of life in communities, particularly within metro areas where transportation infrastructure is heavily utilized. Understanding projects funded under ATP, especially in the context of environmental regulations like CEQA, is crucial for stakeholders and the public alike.
California’s Active Transportation Program, born from Senate Bill 99, represents a strategic consolidation of various funding streams to specifically encourage walking and bicycling. Initially backed by approximately $123 million annually from a blend of state and federal resources, the ATP’s financial foundation significantly strengthened with the passage of Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act, in 2017. SB 1 earmarked an additional $100 million each year from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account directly to the ATP. This substantial increase underscores the state’s commitment to active transportation as a core component of its overall transportation strategy.
The ATP’s objectives are comprehensive and designed to yield broad societal benefits. Key goals include a measurable increase in the proportion of daily trips made via walking and biking, enhanced safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists, and tangible contributions to regional agencies’ targets for greenhouse gas reduction. Furthermore, the program aims to bolster public health outcomes and ensure a diverse range of projects that cater to various user groups, with a particular emphasis on serving disadvantaged communities. This focus on equity and environmental sustainability positions the ATP as a forward-thinking model for transportation investment.
Program Success and Reach
Since its inception, the Active Transportation Program has demonstrated considerable success, channeling funds into over 800 active transportation projects throughout California. These initiatives span both urban and rural landscapes, reflecting the program’s statewide impact. A significant portion, exceeding 400 projects, are dedicated to Safe Routes to Schools programs. These initiatives are vital in fostering healthy habits from a young age and creating safer environments for children to walk and bike to school. Notably, each funding cycle of the ATP has consistently directed over 85% of its resources towards projects specifically designed to benefit disadvantaged communities across the state, reinforcing its commitment to equitable resource distribution and addressing transportation disparities.
While the ATP’s achievements are significant, the demand for funding far outstrips available resources. The program is consistently oversubscribed, indicating a substantial unmet need for active transportation infrastructure and programs across California. To address this gap, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) and Caltrans have compiled a comprehensive list of additional programs that fund active transportation projects and elements. This resource serves as a valuable guide for cities, counties, and agencies seeking to secure funding for essential active transportation projects within their communities, promoting a broader network of support for these initiatives.
Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC)
To further enhance the effectiveness of the ATP and support potential applicants, the Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) was established. Funded by the California Transportation Commission’s Active Transportation Program, the ATRC acts as a central hub for expertise and assistance. It brings together subject matter experts from state agencies, universities, and consultants to deliver specialized active transportation trainings, practical tools, and tailored technical assistance. These resources are invaluable for both current and prospective ATP applicants, ensuring projects are well-planned, competitive, and aligned with best practices. The ATRC’s support extends to both infrastructure and non-infrastructure ATP projects, providing a comprehensive support system for advancing active transportation throughout California.
For projects, especially larger “metro active transportation project” initiatives, understanding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is often essential. While not explicitly detailed in the original text, any significant infrastructure project in California, including those funded by ATP, may be subject to CEQA review, which ensures environmental impacts are considered and mitigated. Navigating CEQA is a crucial step in project development and the ATRC may offer resources or guidance in this area, or applicants would need to consult CEQA experts to ensure compliance and project success.
Accessibility and Further Information
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) is committed to ensuring accessibility to all information and resources. Recognizing the diverse needs of users, the CTC strives to make its documents accessible, though acknowledges that variances in assistive technologies may present challenges. For individuals requiring accessibility assistance or alternative access to content, the CTC encourages direct contact at (916) 654-2162 or via email at [email protected]. Additionally, a dedicated portal is available to Request ADA Compliant Documents, ensuring that all stakeholders can fully engage with and benefit from the Active Transportation Program and its resources.
In conclusion, California’s Active Transportation Program is a vital initiative driving the expansion of walking and biking infrastructure and programs across the state. By strategically investing in active transportation, California is not only improving mobility and safety but also advancing critical environmental and public health goals, particularly within its metro areas. Understanding the program, its resources like the ATRC, and related regulatory considerations such as CEQA, are key to maximizing the positive impact of active transportation projects for communities throughout California.
