Active Transportation Program
The Active Transportation Program consolidates various state and federal transportation programs, including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA), and State Safe Routes to School (SR2S) into a single program. The Active Transportation Program is administered by the Division of Local Assistance, Office of Active Transportation and Special Programs. Draft guidelines for the program were released on November 25, 2013, for adoption by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) in March 2014.This section describes the provisions of the three programs that are being combined into the Active Transportation Program. The adopted guidelines can be found on the Caltrans Active Transportation Program page available under Documents & Resources >>>
Transportation Alternatives Program
The Transportation Alternatives Program is a type of federal funding for local transportation improvement. These alternatives are intended to expand travel choices and improve local economies. In order to be eligible, projects must relate to surface transportation and must fall under at least one of 12 eligible categories. Bicycle/pedestrian facilities as well as safety and educational programs for bicyclists/pedestrians are covered by transportation alternatives.
Transportation alternatives have traditionally been a significant funding source for active transportation infrastructure. However, the new federal transportation reauthorization consolidated many programs, including dedicated funding for transportation alternatives.*
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Transportation alternatives cover many streetscape-type projects that may interest schools. |
Safe Routes to School Program
Safe Routes to School (SRTS and SR2S) programs have been established in California through state and federal legislation. Both programs seek to increase the safety and number of children walking and bicycling to school. Caltrans has administered both of these programs since the inception of the program and works with stakeholders across California to ensure that statewide consistency in policies and best practices are addressed.
The state program primarily funds infrastructure projects, while the federal program funds both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Safe routes to school projects often integrate complete streets concepts.
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School and local government officials can join forces to increase the competitiveness of Safe Route to School award applications. |
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In the City of Azusa the school board worked with the city to receive grant money from the Los Angeles County Communities Putting Prevention to Work Initiative. By running a pilot program that emphasized parental education and empowerment, the school board was able to leverage its efforts to win two more funding awards to work in other schools within the district. |
Bicycle Transportation Account
The Bicycle Transportation Account provides state funds to local government projects that improve conditions for bicycle commuters. Examples of eligible projects include bikeways serving major corridors and bicycle parking at employment centers.
In order to qualify for Bicycle Transportation Account funds, local jurisdictions must adopt and regularly update a bicycle plan.
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Schools can apply for Bicycle Transportation Account funds to help teachers and staff that want to bicycle to school. These funds can go toward building showers, bike racks and other bicycle infrastructure. Many of these improvements may also benefit students. |
