Now Congress has to hear from you. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is working behind the scenes on the next transportation authorization bill. The most recent bill — the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) — created discretionary grant programs like the Reconnecting Communities pilot program and the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The IIJA also saw funding for Transportation Alternatives, the biggest source of federal funding for bicycling and walking projects, increase by 60%. 

All of our gains for bicycling and walking are at risk. Representative Sam Graves (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is driving the drafting of the transportation bill, and just this week he said: 

“It’s gonna be a traditional highway bill — that means building roads and bridges, laying asphalt, pouring concrete…. We’re not gonna be spending money on murals and train stations or bike paths or walking paths. We’re going to spend money on traditional infrastructure, that’s roads and bridges.”

If Rep. Graves has his way and the next transportation bill is a “traditional highway bill” that could mean zero federal funding for bicycling and walking through 2031. 

Rep. Graves needs to hear that’s unacceptable from every Member of Congress. He’ll only hear that if your Member of Congress hears it from you. 

Contact your representative and make sure they know how critical bicycling and walking investments are to constituents in their district. Rep. Graves answers to voters in Missouri, but your Member of Congress answers to you. 
 

NOTE: Include a personal story about a bicycling or walking investment in your city or congressional district. This will help your congressional office see the connection between Graves’ statement and the people they serve.