This document is a compilation of fund sources for projects and programs intended to improve walking and bicycling conditions and to increase the safety of travel by these and other modes. Strategies to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, mobility, and accessibility can include:
- Infrastructure improvements,
- Enforcement measures, policies, and recommendations
- Education and marketing efforts
Within the State of Illinois, a number of grants are available through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Money is available to IDOT through federal funds in order to reduce motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle crashes, fatalities, and injuries, and to increase safety for all users of our roadways.
Funding Programs with a Safety Focus:
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) administers the federally funded safety funds. Section 402 Highway Safety Program grants. The 402 Program is designed to help states, counties and communities initiate programs to address traffic safety-related problems. The overall goals are to reduce motor vehicle crashes, fatalities and injuries, increase the use of occupant protection devices, and to reduce impaired driving. The grants available through this program focus on enforcement, education, outreach, and training. 402 Highway Safety Program funds have been used to produce educational materials, such as Safe Bicycling in Illinois. (See: http://www.dot.il.gov/grants.html). Of special interest is the following:
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety (PBS) Program Grant: This grant is designed to aid public agencies in funding cost effective projects that will improve pedestrian and bicycle safety through education and enforcement. Like the CMAP Pedestrian Safety Initiative, it focuses on areas experiencing high rates of pedestrian and bicycle crashes. Applicants for this grant can apply for one or more of three grant categories.
The first program is for enforcement efforts. This category of the grant can be used to ensure that traffic laws are obeyed. Example projects include crosswalk stings, neighborhood traffic watch programs, and photo enforcement.
The second category within this grant is to help inform the public about walking and bicycling safety. Projects can include pedestrian and bicycle master plans, distribution of education materials, walk and bike promotional programs, and distribution of protective equipment.
The final category is for research and training. This category of the grant can be used to assist a community in analyzing data and determining why and where crashes are occurring. A minimum of three years of data is required for this analysis. Projects within this category can include a pedestrian and bicycle analysis, a determination of high-crash locations and identification of potential countermeasures, traffic calming training, and crash analysis training.
This program is funded on a reimbursement basis. The agency submits monthly reports and financing statements to IDOT. IDOT grant liaisons will conduct site-visits to ensure that progress is being made on the projects outlined within the grant application. A final report is required.
Grant application procedures and due dates will be announced on the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety website in January or early February of 2009.
Websites: http://www.dot.state.il.us/trafficsafety/pedbikegrants.html
Traffic Law Enforcement Program (TLEP): This grant program is designed to address traffic safety problems which might be effectively resolved by education and increased traffic enforcement by local police. This program involves the enforcement of identified high-crash areas and the contributing traffic violations. The program can be used to address safety problems involving conflicts between pedestrians and motorized vehicles at high-crash locations. An additional component is participation in national and state mobilizations. Agencies that have not participated in this program in the past will not be considered for this grant program. However, inquiries can be addressed to the program manager for future participation.
This grant application is limited to three years of participation and requires that police departments have sufficient staffing established to allow for 20-30 hours of patrol per high-crash location each week.
Grant application procedures and due dates will be announced on the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety website in January or early February of 2009.
Website: http://www.dot.state.il.us/trafficsafety/TLEPgrants.html
Speed Enforcement Program (SEP): This program grant is designed to reduce speed-related traffic crashes through increased enforcement and educational activities. The primary program emphasis is to be placed on enforcement of speed related laws. Pedestrians often cite the high speeds of vehicles traveling along roadways as an impediment to walking. The expectation for this program is that a minimum of two (2) speeding related citations per patrol hour/officer will be issued. Each community participating in this program will be required to submit a progress report after each enforcement campaign. A final report is due no later than November 1 of the implementation year.
The program will begin October 1, 2008 and end September 30, 2009. As part of the program, the local agency will secure program support from the mayor and law enforcement agency. They will conduct the speed enforcement campaign for six months within the project year using certified officers.
This grant program is funded on a reimbursement basis. The law enforcement agency pays for the cost for the program operation using local funds. Monthly reports are submitted to IDOT for reimbursement.
Grant application procedures and due dates will be announced on the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety website in January or early February of 2009.
Websites: http://www.dot.state.il.us/trafficsafety/sepgrants.html
Injury Prevention Program: This program is designed to reduce fatalities and injuries sustained in traffic crashes through educational programs. The staff in your community provides educational presentations, coordinates public information campaigns, and works with the media to raise public awareness of safe driving laws, use of occupant protection devices, helmets and designated drivers. This program can be implemented for schools and community meetings.
Grant application procedures and due dates will be announced on the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety website in January or early February of 2009.
Website: http://www.dot.il.gov/trafficsafety/ippgrants.html
Safe Routes to School (SRTS): The Illinois Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). SRTS uses a multidisciplinary approach to improve conditions for students who walk or bike to school. The program has three main goals:
• To enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school
• To make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and
• To facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity (within 2 miles) of both public and private primary and middle schools (grades K-8).
The Illinois Safe Routes to School Program providing funding for both infrastructure improvements to the physical environment, as well as non-infrastructure projects. Eligible project sponsors include schools and school districts, governmental entities and non-profit organizations. Projects may be organized on a variety of jurisdictional levels.
The Illinois SRTS Program elements include:
• Funding at 100% with no local match required
• 70% to 90% of the total allocated funds for Illinois will support infrastructure projects. 10% to 30% of funds will support non-infrastructure programs.
• Requires an approved Illinois School Travel Plan
• Only those projects and programs included in the corresponding School Travel Plan are eligible for funding.
• Multiple projects may be applied for by a single Sponsoring Agency, using a single application.
• School Travel Plans and funding applications are accepted only through an online application process.
The application for the Illinois SRTS program follows the following schedule:
• August 1. 2008: Call for Projects (Applications) Opened
• October 31, 2008: Deadline for School Travel Plan submittal and approval
• December 1, 2008: Call for Projects (Applications) Closes
Website: http://www.dot.il.gov/saferoutes/saferouteshome.aspx
General Funding Programs:
Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Grants (ITEP): The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) provides funding for community based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience. Funding can be used for cultural, historic, aesthetic, and environmental improvements related to transportation infrastructure. A project must fall into one of twelve (12) eligible categories listed within the ITEP Guidelines Manual and also must relate to surface transportation in order to qualify.
A sub-category of the ITEP program is the Illinois Green Streets Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state, and to address the growing threat of global climate change, through landscape or streetscape projects that involve the planting of native trees and prairie grasses.
Funding will be provided for up to eighty percent (80%) of the project costs. The remaining twenty percent (20%) is the responsibility of the program sponsor.
Future application deadlines will be determined at a later date. Please check website below.
Website: http://www.dot.il.gov/opp/itep.html
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ): The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) grant requests are submitted through the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). This is a federally funded program that is part of the surface transportation improvements designed to improve air quality and to mitigate congestion. It was created in 1991 as part of the Inter-modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA). Eligible projects include pedestrian and bicycle facility projects, as well as transit improvements and traffic flow projects.
Projects are submitted for Northeastern Illinois through the CMAP Transportation Committee and then are reviewed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee, who approves a final program for funding. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) administers the program.
The CMAQ grants are awarded each fiscal year (FY) dependent on available funding from the Congressional appropriation of funds. The cycle for FY 2009 has ended, but legislation may at least temporarily extend the program.
Website: http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/cmaq/default.aspx
Surface Transportation Program (STP): The Surface Transportation Program (STP) provides flexible funding that is used by states and localities on any Federal-aid highway, bridge projects on any public road, transit capital projects, and bus terminals and facilities. The federal share for the program generally is eight (80) percent, but is subject to the sliding scale adjustment.
Northeastern Illinois is divided into eleven Councils of Mayors, which are allocated STP funding on the basis of population for local transportation projects. Each Council oversees the planning and programming of these STP funds within their own region, and each as developed its own set of project selection guidelines.
All projects will be approved by the individual Council and then will be reviewed by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). All selected projects must be submitted to CMAP for inclusion in the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
For information, see information about the Council of Mayors in the CMAP Resource Directory: Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Resources
Corridor Planning Grant Program: This five-year, $15 million grant program for local governments helps communities develop land use and infrastructure plans that promote efficient use of transportation facilities and improve quality of life. The program will fund planning activities that promote the integration of land use, transportation and infrastructure facility planning in major transportation corridors in Illinois. The goals of the program are to: 1) promote land use and transportation options that reduce the growth of congestion; 2) connect infrastructure and development decisions; 3) promote balanced economic development that reduces infrastructure costs; and 4) promote intergovernmental cooperation. The program is administered by IDOT. For more information, visit: www.dot.state.il.us/corridorplanning/corridor.html or call 217.782.2863.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources: IDNR administers Outdoor Recreation Grants-in-Aid programs. The programs, which are most relevant for bicycle and pedestrian projects include:
• Bicycle Path Program – helps with the acquisition, construction and rehabilitation of public, non-motorized bicycle paths and directly related support facilities. Applications must be received by IDNR by March 1 of the calendar year. For more information see: http://dnr.state.il.us/ocd/newbike2.htm.
• Recreational Trails Program – provides up to 80% funding assistance for acquisition, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized recreation trails. Applications are due March 1. For more information see: http://dnr.state.il.us/ocd/newrtp2.htm.
• Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) and Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) -- assists local government agencies in the acquisition and development of land for public parks and open space. Both programs have been used to fund bicycle/multi-use trail development. Applications are accepted between May 1 and July 1 of the calendar year. For more information see: http://dnr.state.il.us/ocd/newoslad1.htm.
Member Initiative Money: State legislators have discretionary funds that can be used for projects of their choice. They can be powerful allies for pulling together and providing resources for projects that span municipalities. When the Village of Roselle was seeking support for the design and construction of a pedestrian bridge crossing Lake Street (a busy, multi-lane lane arterial) to the Village of Bloomingdale, the Senator and Representative for the area, former Sen. Doris Karpiel and Representative (now Senator) Carole Pankau provided $250,000 each— the final pieces of the funding puzzle on this project. The bridge was completed in 2007.
Transportation, Community and System Preservation Pilot Program: The TCSP Program is a comprehensive initiative of research and grants to investigate the relationships between transportation, community, and system preservation plans and practices and identify provide sector-based initiatives to improve such relationships. States, metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, and tribal governments are eligible for discretionary grants to carry out eligible projects to integrate transportation, community, and system preservation plans. See: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tcsp/. In the past, TCSP earmarks included the Walkable Edgewater Initiative ($100,000) and the Heritage Corridor Project Study ($200,000). The 2008 federal appropriations bill included an earmark of more than $2.9 million for “Illinois Trails” (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tcsp/08designated.html).
National Scenic Byways Program: National Scenic Byways Program funds may be used for "construction along a scenic byway of a facility for pedestrians and bicyclists." 23 USC Section 162 (c)(4). In the greater Chicago region, there are two designated Scenic Byways: 1) the Historic Route 66; and 2) the Lincoln Highway. The Federal share of the funding is 80%, with a local match of 20%. See: http://www.bywaysonline.org/grants/.
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance: Also known as the Rivers and Trails Program or RTCA, this program is the community assistance arm of the National Park Service. RTCA staff provide technical assistance to communities so they can conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways. The RTCA program implements the natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation mission of the National Park Service in communities across America. August 1, 2009 is the deadline for the next round of assitance. Applicants are stronly encouraged to discuss project ideas with RTCA staff before submitting an application. Please contact: Diane Banta at diane_banta@nps.gov or (312) 863-6287. See: http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/contactus/regions/midwest.html
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (Illinois DCEO) Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program (TAP): This program was created “to provide matching grants to assist in the development or improvement of projects that increase the economic impact of tourism throughout the State.” TAP grants and loans shall not exceed $1,000,000 and shall not exceed 50% of the entire amount of the actual expenditures for the development or improvement of a tourism attraction.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (Illinois DCEO) Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP): The Illinois DCEO CDAP program is “a grant program funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that assists Illinois communities by providing grants to local governments to help them in financing economic development projects, public facilities and housing rehabilitation. The program is targeted to assist low-to-moderate income persons by creating job opportunities and improving the quality of their living environment.”
Strategies/Partnerships
It is important for local communities and organizations to work with their city councils or town boards to allocate local resources for planning, engineering studies, and specific projects. Outside agencies are often more willing to fund projects that are already underway on local initiative and with local resources.
General Revenues: In our region, the Village of Downer’s Grove used general revenues to develop their comprehensive bicycle plan. Wheaton's Park District used capital funds to upgrade a path system that provides access to the train station and a grade school.
TIF Districts: These revenues can be used to improve conditions for walkers and cyclists as part of larger development projects. Arlington Heights used TIF money to help pay for the reconstruction of its pedestrian and bicycle friendly Metra station.
Other Funding Approaches: Communities may consider:
• general obligation bonds
• bike licensing/registration fees (for exclusive use in building/maintaining bicycle and pedestrian facilities)
• creating “advanced transportation districts” in zoning and development ordinances with traffic impact fees
• local-option transportation taxes (see overview at: Local Option Transportation Taxes in the U.S. and at: Local Option Transportation Taxes -- State by State).
• setting aside a portion of vehicle registration fees, and designating a percentage of STP funds for bike facility construction and maintenance. For provisions governing use of Motor Fuel Tax receipts, state by state, see: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hwytaxes/mf106.pdf. As an example, Alameda County, in California, set aside five percent of the county’s transportation sales tax funding to go to bicycle and pedestrian projects. Chambers of commerce and tourism can help promote shopping and visiting by foot and bike. The fact is that bicycle and pedestrian facilities can be substantial attractions for tourists and economic activity. (See, for example, the article “Economic Impact of Investments in Bicycle Facilities: Case Study of North Carolina's Northern Outer Banks” at http://trb.metapress.com/content/f511nk3g705230p2/. Here in northeastern Illinois, in the Village of Woodridge, the local chamber of commerce prints and distributes a community map that includes bikeways. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs also administers grants and provides technical assistance through programs such as the Illinois Main Street Program.
Health care providers and health advocacy groups can promote walking and biking as ways to avoid a physically inactive lifestyle, and the associated health problems and costs. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity Section, is promoting the value of walking and biking for purposeful trips, like errands and work commutes. In the City of Chicago, the Active Living Logan Square partnership (with a grant from the Active Living Resource Center; see http://www.activelivingresources.org/aboutalrc.php) focuses on creating an environment that promotes physical activity and health.
Employers can create incentives for employees to walk or cycle by providing showers, bike parking, a guaranteed ride home in an emergency, flex time, transit subsidies, and the cash equivalent of free parking benefits. Employers can also participate in Employer Assisted Housing programs that encourage walking and biking distances between housing and employment centers. Also visit www.commuterconnections.org (a resource in Washington, DC with good advice for employers on promoting bike commuting).
Community groups can contribute time and labor to the planning and construction of facilities. In Batavia, volunteer labor made possible a new riverwalk.
Cycling and walking groups are a source of vocal and knowledgeable advocates willing to assist in planning and lobbying for improvements. The League of Illinois Bicyclists maintains a list of local bicycle clubs. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the Center for Neighborhood Technology are also good resources.
Advocacy organizations can provide lobbying support, technical assistance and funding. Bikes Belong recently granted the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation $10,000 to assist with the design and implementation of the Navy Pier Flyover, one of CDOT’s projects. Active Living Resource Center has provided funding the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and to Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail.
The media can help promote your facilities and programs. BikeChicago2007 got extensive media coverage, including the reproduction of its new map in a Sunday edition of the Chicago Sun-Times.
The private sector can donate money, land and other resources. The recently constructed path on the south side of the Chicago River received 50% of its funding from the adjacent Illinois Center.
For an extensive list and information on bicycle and pedestrian funding sources, please see the websites: http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/pp/funding/index.cfm (bicycling) and http://www.walkinginfo.org/pp/funding/index.cfm (walking).
More Information
For more information, contact:
John O’Neal
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
233 S. Wacker Dr. Suite 800
Chicago Illinois 60606
312-386-8822
joneal@cmap.illinois.gov