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Pennsylvania residents will soon have increased opportunities to bike and walk thanks to a law which will make up to $2.4 billion in transportation funds available towards pedestrian and bicycle oriented projects.
According to Streetsblog and PreventObesity.net, the bill enacted in November 2013 will:
- provide at least $2 million towards pedestrian and bicyclist projects annually;
- increase the state’s multi-modal fund from a total of $33 million to $144 million over the next five years (pedestrian and bicycle projects will be eligible);
- allow for the use of transportation funds in lighting pedestrian projects; and
- include pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of the state’s comprehensive transportation system.
In April 2013, this policy was in development. At the time, a coalition comprised of health organizations, local governments, cycling advocates and many others, worked to develop the legislation, which will be funded through a slight increase in vehicle registration fees and an oil and gas distribution tax.
Learn more about Pennsylvania’s victory from the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition’s blog post.
Additional links:
Victory for Physical Activity in Pennsylvania (via Prevent Obesity.net)
Pennsylvania Transportation Bill a “Dramatic Win” for Biking and Walking (via Streetsblog)
Pennsylvania Legislators Seek Funds Dedicated to Paths for Walking and Biking (via Salud America! Growing Healthy Change Platform)
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
