Today Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL) introduced legislation that makes it easier for federal transit and highway programs to fund bikeshare systems and related improvements. Over the last several years bikeshare systems have expanded throughout the United States. By clarifying that bikeshare projects are eligible for federal funds the Bikeshare Transit Act will make it easier for communities to create and improve bikeshare systems.

Some bikeshare systems have already utilized federal funding sources, like Fort Worth BCycle which has used Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds. The Bikeshare Transit Act makes this federal funding easier by:

• Allowing bicycles to be funded by FTA funds, and
• Making it clear that bikeshare projects and associated equipment are eligible for federal transit funds and FHWA Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement funds.

Out of the 150 communities that applied for Bicycle Friendly Community recognition in 2015, 40 reported having a bikeshare program or a bikeshare program that was likely to launch within a year. The League of American Bicyclists thanks Representatives Blumenauer and Buchanan for introducing the Bikeshare Transit Act that will help communities achieve their goals of low-cost, sustainable and healthy transportation systems. You can find out more about current federal funding for bikeshare projects here: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/funding/faq_bikeshare.cfm.