The federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) program funds 12 different types of transportation-related activities. Through activity 1, known in law as “Provision of facilities for bicycles and pedestrians,” communities develop projects that make nonmotorized transport safe, convenient, and appealing.  These projects encourage healthful physical activity, keep air clean by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and enrich local economies with transportation assets.  Since the TE program began in 1992, approximately 48 percent of available TE funds have been programmed for pedestrian and bicycle facility projects.

Eligible Projects

Working within Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines, each state Department of Transportation (DOT) determines the eligibility of  TE projects for funding. Examples of projects that may be considered eligible include:

► New or reconstructed sidewalks, walkways, or curb ramps;
► Bike lane striping;
► Wide paved shoulders;
► Bike parking and bus racks;
► New or reconstructed off-road trails;
► Bike and pedestrian bridges and underpasses.

Examples of Successful Projects

A cyclist on Florida's Suncoast Trail

The completed overpass over Powell Boulevard

Suncoast Trail, Florida. For most of its 42-mile length, the Suncoast Trail parallels the Suncoast Parkway, located a few miles inland from Florida’s beautiful gulf coast. The trail links neighborhoods, schools, and an  8,000-acre wilderness park. Construction was made possible with $3.2 million in TE funds administered by the Florida DOT Turnpike District and Hillsborough, Pasco, and Hernando Counties. Contact: FloridaDOT, Turnpike District Bike/Ped Coordinator, 1-800-749-7453.

I-205 Overpass, Oregon. The intersection of I-205 and Powell Boulevard used to be one of the most perilous in Portland for bicycles and pedestrians. Using funds from the state’s “Small Scale Urban Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Program” as the local match for a $1,057,840 TE award, the Oregon DOT constructed a bridge over the dangerous intersection for bicycles and pedestrians. Contact: Community Affairs Coordinator, Oregon DOT Region 1, 503-731-8237.

Denver Regional Bike-N-Ride Project, Colorado. The Denver Regional Transportation District used TE funds to install front-mounted bicycle racks on its entire bus fleet, bike parking racks at bus stops, park-n-ride facilities, and transit centers. These facilities allow bicycle commuters to travel greater distances, thus improving intermodal access and the transit system's appeal, helping to decrease reliance upon car travel. Contact the Denver Regional Transportation District, 303-628-9000.

Visit www.enhancements.org/examples.asp for additional project examples.

Federal Guidance

Projects that use TE funds must qualify as one or more of the 12 designated activities and relate to surface transportation in order to meet basic federal eligibility requirements. Bicycle projects must be principally for transportation rather than recreation.  Bicycle and pedestrian projects should follow appropriate design guidelines to maximize safety, accessibility, and transportation potential. Visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/TE for a full copy of the FHWA TE Guidance.

Financing TE Projects

Most states require TE project sponsors to provide at least 20 percent of project costs, also referred to as “matching funds.” In many states, the value of donated property, materials, and services; the labor of state and local government employees; and the costs of preliminary engineering may count towards the matching requirement. Federal, non-DOT funds can often be used as matching funds. Check with your state TE manager whether these “innovative financing options” are available in your state. Additional funds for this activity may come from a variety of sources such as local and state governments, foundations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, or other federal programs.  Visit www.enhancements.org/fundingsources.asp for links to specific grant programs.

Related Resources

► FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program:
    www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped or 202-366-0134
► FHWA Recreational Trails Program:
    www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails or 202-366-5013
► FHWA Accessibility Guidance: www.access-board.gov and
    www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/guidance.htm#Access 
►  "Finding Matching Funds for Trail Projects," NTEC Technical Brief:
    www.enhancements.org/publications.asp
► The Bicycle and Pedestrian Information Center: www.pedbikeinfo.org or 919-262-2203
► America Walks: www.americawalks.org or 617-367-1160
► America Bikes: www.americabikes.org or 202-833-8080
► Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse: www.trailsandgreenways.org or 1-877-476-9297
► The National Center for Bicycling and Walking: www.bikewalk.org or 301-656-4220
► The Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service:
    www.ncrc.nps.gov/rtca or 202-354-6900

To Get Started

Inquiries about the TE application process should be directed to the TE manger at your state DOT. Visit www.enhancements.org/contacts.asp for TE manager contact information.