'Reduce congestion, improve mobility and keep cyclists safe' — lawmakers introduce bipartisan America Bikes Act

Bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing cycling infrastructure and safety in the United States has been introduced by Democratic Representative Mike Thompson of California and Republican Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida. The America Bikes Act, designated as H.R. 9041, seeks to consolidate various bike-related initiatives into a comprehensive federal package that prioritises rider safety, infrastructure development, education, transit accessibility, and the promotion of domestic bicycle manufacturing. Both lawmakers emphasise the benefits of cycling for public health and environmental sustainability, advocating for increased investment to make cycling a safer and more accessible mode of transport for Americans. The proposed bill includes several key provisions designed to expand federal transportation funding eligibility for local, regional, and Tribal governments to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. It promotes the development of safety action plans and infrastructure projects aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries on roadways. Additionally, the legislation supports integrating bike safety education into school curricula, enhancing programmes that encourage children to bike and walk safely to school, and improving biking and walking infrastructure on federal lands. The act also proposes incentives to boost domestic bicycle manufacturing, building on earlier efforts to suspend tariffs on imported bike components used in US assembly. The America Bikes Act has garnered strong support from a range of transportation advocacy groups, including the League of American Bicyclists, PeopleForBikes, and the National Bicycle Dealers Association. Leaders within these organisations have praised the bill for its potential to foster a cycling renaissance in the US by creating safer, more connected, and more accessible cycling environments. Bill Nesper of the League of American Bicyclists highlighted the legislation’s celebration of the freedom cycling offers, while PeopleForBikes’ Jenn Dice described it as a significant advancement for both the bike industry and everyday riders. Following its introduction in the House of Representatives, the bill will undergo committee review and possible amendments before a floor vote. For the America Bikes Act to become law, it must secure approval from both the House and Senate and receive the President’s signature. If successful, the legislation could mark a pivotal step in reducing congestion, improving mobility, and enhancing safety for cyclists across the country, while also supporting the growth of the domestic bicycle manufacturing sector.