US Transportation Secretary to Reallocate $1.73 Billion from Bike Lane Funds

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced a significant reallocation of federal funds, proposing to withdraw $1.73 billion from projects designated for “DEI bike lanes” and redirect it towards the repair and construction of roads and bridges. This decision, reported by Edith Olmsted in The New Republic, could jeopardize numerous infrastructure initiatives across the United States.

Projects affected by this proposed funding shift include a new transit center in North Carolina, bridge replacements in New Mexico, street extensions in New Hampshire, and the installation of traffic signals and crosswalks in Missouri, alongside bike lane installations in Seattle. The announcement marks a departure from previous federal commitments to cycling infrastructure.

Federal Highway Administration Findings Contradicted

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s own findings suggest that bike lanes enhance safety for all road users. A statement from the Federal Highway Administration indicates that “Providing bicycle facilities can mitigate or prevent interactions, conflicts, and crashes between bicyclists and motor vehicles, and create a network of safer roadways for bicycling.” Secretary Duffy’s plan appears to contradict these established safety benefits.

The term “DEI bike lanes” was reportedly used by Secretary Duffy to describe the projects, a framing that has drawn criticism and highlights a potential shift in federal transportation priorities under the current administration. The New Republic article notes that these grants were part of the Biden-era funding initiatives.

Impact on Local Infrastructure and Safety Initiatives

The redirection of these funds raises concerns about the future of localized safety and connectivity improvements that rely on federal grants. While the specific details of which projects will be most affected are still emerging, the scale of the reallocation suggests a broad impact on planned and ongoing infrastructure work.

The move also comes at a time when urban areas globally are increasingly investing in active transportation infrastructure to address issues such as congestion, air quality, and public health. Federal support for such initiatives is often crucial for their implementation, particularly in areas with limited local funding.

The secretary’s announcement suggests a prioritization of traditional road and bridge infrastructure over projects that include or focus on bicycle facilities. This approach may face scrutiny from urban planning advocates, cycling organizations, and communities that have come to rely on federal grants for developing safer and more accessible street networks.

Key facts

This policy shift could have significant implications for urban planning and transportation policy across the US, potentially slowing the development of integrated multi-modal transportation networks. The emphasis on roads and bridges may signal a broader governmental approach to infrastructure investment, with less focus on non-motorized transport.

Source: Planetizen News, https://www.planetizen.com/news/2026/07/137967-usdot-secretary-plans-pull-173b-dei-bike-lanes