Instead of the cheery “20^th anniversary of Safe Routes to School” message we had planned to release, we take this moment to acknowledge how current events affect the Safe Routes to School movement, and most importantly the people who make up this field.

A lot has happened in Washington in the past three weeks. We at the Safe Routes Partnership are gathering intel and as things become clearer, we will continue to advocate for funding and policies that support walking, biking and Safe Routes while centering the people within this movement. In the meantime, while things are in flux, we wanted to pass along information about how the current state of affairs may impact our issues, plus some actions you can take now.

The new year ushers in a season of change in Washington, D.C., and I’m not just referring to the snowfall in the nation’s capital! The 119^th Congress was sworn in, and the change in presidential administrations will occur on January 20, 2025 – Inauguration Day. What does this all mean for federal transportation policy and funding?

Wishing for more funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, and Safe Routes to School? You’re in luck! Thanks to Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA), the Ranking Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, there is $180 million in additional funding coming to states through the Transportation Alternatives Program.

August recess is upon us, which means lawmakers are back in their home states and districts. With the entire House up for re-election, and one-third of the Senate and The White House on the ballot in November, lawmakers and candidates are making the case for (re) election to their constituents.

We’ve reached the mid-way point of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, which means it is time to take stock of how things are going and that transportation reauthorization conversations are already underway!