Bill > S01128

This bill establishes a new bicycle and pedestrian planning assistance program within the state department of transportation designed to help county and municipal governments improve local infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. The program will provide free planning support to local governments through a competitive application process, with applicants needing to demonstrate community interest, safety needs, commitment to serving special populations (like seniors or people with disabilities), and potentially having an existing complete streets policy. To ensure equitable access, at least 35% of approved applications will focus on disadvantaged communities. The program will support various planning activities such as safety evaluations, bicycle and pedestrian circulation studies, walkability audits, traffic calming assessments, and safe routes to school projects. Funding will come from federal congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program funds, and the transportation commissioner will have the authority to create rules and regulations for implementing the program. The bill defines "disadvantaged communities" as areas with significant public health, environmental, or socioeconomic challenges, and aims to help these communities develop more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure through locally driven planning efforts.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1128