The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration issued a statement and clarification addressing common misconceptions regarding federal transportation funding programs and the use of such funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Through discussions and reviews undertaken as part of the "Safer People, Safer Streets Initiative" launched in 2014, U.S. DOT identified 10 common misconceptions about the use of Federal funding, street design, and the environmental review process that can cause confusion and result in project delay.  In response, the FHWA created a document and webpage with information addressing the misconceptions, which clarifies the distinctions between federal standards and state and local practice and provides links to more detailed resources.

This document focuses on the policy areas of funding, design, and environmental review and addresses these misconceptions:

• The Transportation Alternatives Program  is the only federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects.
• Federal transportation funds cannot be used to enhance the local roadway network.
• Federal funds cannot be used to build separated bike lanes or to create road diets.
• Projects using federal funds must adhere to AASHTO's Green Book
• Lane widths cannot be less than 11' on the National Highway System (NHS) and 9' when Federal funds are used on local roads.
• Curb extensions, trees, and roundabouts cannot be used on the NHS.
• Speed limits must be set using the 85th percentile methodology.

Bicycle and pedestrian projects must be within the existing right-of-way to be eligible for a Categorical Exclusion.