From D.C. to CA: Rapid Response Grants Having an Impact

They’ve helped to end unfair traffic citations for bicyclists in Washington, D.C. They’ve helped boost a campaign for dedicated biking and walking funding in Pennsylvania. And they’ve helped push for a better pedestrian bridge over a major highway in Marin, Calif.

They may provide small bursts of funding, but Rapid Response Grants are having a big impact across the country.

A key aspect of the Advocacy Advance program, these grants are aimed at helping state and local organizations take advantage of unexpected opportunities to win, increase, or preserve funding for biking and walking. There’s no deadline for applications and awards are made on a quick turnaround, allowing nimble and timely campaigns that strike while the issue is hot.

Most recently, these grants have boosted both rural and urban campaigns, from Philadelphia, Pa., to Cheyenne, Wy. Check out these in-depth stories of Rapid Response success from Mary Lauran Hall of the Alliance for Biking & Walking, our partner in the Advocacy Advance effort:

• With Rapid Response Grant, WABA Improves Police Enforcement for Bicyclists in DC
• ‘Scramble is On’ to Save a Marin, CA Pedestrian Crossing
• With Rapid Response Grant, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia Champions Biking and Walking
• Idaho & Wyoming Groups Use Advocacy Advance Grants to Protect Biking and Walking Dollars

(Photo courtesy of WABA)