The reauthorization of the federal transportation law presents an opportunity to promote, enforce and expand health, safety and equity in transportation policy. Unfortunately, as written, the Senate’s transportation bill removes dedicated funding for walking and bicycling programs and allows state departments of transportation to opt out of spending any money on safe street programs.

Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) will offer an amendment that would improve the bill by ensuring that local governments can apply directly for funds to build safe and healthy walking and bicycling infrastructure.

Please take the time to send a message to your senators urging them to vote "yes" on the Cardin-Cochran amendment when it comes to the Senate floor for a vote.

Sincerely,

APHA Government Relations