Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced this week that the U.S. Department of Transportation is redirecting $1.73 billion in federal grants away from what he called “DEI bike lanes” toward roads, bridges and ports.
The shift, announced Tuesday, involves Biden-era infrastructure grants that previously funded a variety of projects including bike lanes, pedestrian safety improvements and transit initiatives. Duffy highlighted the change in a social media post, emphasizing a focus on “America’s actual backbone.”
The grants were part of programs under the previous administration aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing safety and addressing climate and equity goals. Projects affected include bike lanes in various cities and other multimodal transportation efforts. The financial status of some already-approved initiatives remains unclear as funds are reallocated.
Duffy stated that the administration is investing in repairing critical roads and bridges that connect Americans to job opportunities, port infrastructure that bolsters national security, and aviation and transit projects that move families. The move aligns with broader efforts to prioritize traditional infrastructure over certain pedestrian and cycling projects.
Bike lane advocates and safety organizations have long argued that such infrastructure reduces traffic deaths and improves road safety for all users, citing federal data supporting bicycle lanes as proven countermeasures. Critics of the redirection say it could impact local communities' ability to build safer streets.
The announcement comes as part of ongoing policy shifts in the Trump administration regarding federal spending priorities. No immediate details were provided on specific projects canceled or the full list of reallocated funds.
The U.S. Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
