SACRAMENTO — California is moving to dramatically expand cycling infrastructure in cities and communities across the state, aligning transportation planning with climate goals, public safety priorities, and equity-driven infrastructure investments.
State officials and local advocates say recent funding allocations and project rollouts signal a shift in how Californians get around — one that prioritizes safe, connected bike networks alongside traditional roadways.
“We are building a California that fits every traveler, including those on foot, on bicycles, and on other personal mobility devices,” said Tony Tavares, director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), outlining the state’s long-term bicycle and pedestrian funding plan. “These investments are about safety, mobility, and climate action — and they directly benefit neighborhoods across California.”
Nearly $1 Billion Committed to Bike and Pedestrian Projects
Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission recently approved a statewide infrastructure plan that includes approximately $930 million over the next four years specifically for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. This funding — part of the 2024 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) — will underwrite 265 miles of new and improved bikeways and more than 1,300 enhanced safety features by mid-2028.
The funding is coming from a mix of sources, including nearly $375 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $276 million via California’s Senate Bill 1 (the Road Repair and Accountability Act). Projects span both urban corridors and rural routes, with a focus on protected bike lanes, ADA-compliant crossings, improved signage, and traffic signal upgrades.
“These investments will help us create safer and more equitable mobility options for neighborhoods that have historically been underserved,” Tavares told Caltrans staff at the commission meeting. “More Californians will be able to bike or walk to work, school, and essential services without fear of unsafe conditions.”
Local Leaders Push on Neighborhood Safety
Across regions, local officials and advocates say the new funding arrives at a critical time. In Kern County, for example, Public Works received a $200,000 grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety to expand bicycle education and visibility programs in community streets. “It hits all the points that is needed in the community to make cycling safer,” said Cindy Parra, board member and co-founder of nonprofit Bike Bakersfield. “This gives residents confidence to use bike lanes and be seen on the road.”
Beyond safety programming, many California cities are seeing real infrastructure growth. In Los Angeles, bikeway networks have expanded significantly in recent years, forming a key component of the city’s Vision Zero strategy to reduce traffic fatalities and improve multimodal access. Protected bikeways in Los Angeles have grown more than fourfold since 2015, and recent data suggests a measurable decline in severe cyclist injuries along those routes.
Connecting Communities and Climate Goals
Urban planning experts note that expanded bike lanes are increasingly central to local climate and equity strategies. “A comprehensive active-transportation network not only improves safety but also supports clean air goals and community connectivity,” said a transportation planner with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), who requested anonymity due to ongoing planning processes.
Statewide, officials emphasize that bike and pedestrian infrastructure serves multiple policy objectives — lowering vehicle emissions, improving health outcomes, and making neighborhoods more accessible for all residents.
“The future of sustainable transportation must include connected, safe cycling options,” Tavares said. “California’s investment today will pay dividends in economic vitality, climate resilience, and quality of life for decades.”
Community Integration and Implementation Challenges
While funding is secured at the state level, the real work now shifts to local implementation. City councils, regional planners, and transportation agencies are coordinating to ensure the miles of new bike lanes and safety enhancements connect seamlessly with existing street networks and serve areas with the greatest need.
Advocates stress that sustained growth will require ongoing community engagement and data-driven design to address neighborhood concerns, integrate with transit systems, and maximize the benefits of California’s transportation investment.
