Plan Ahead - May is Bike Month! | |
May is Bike Month (MIBM) - a perfect time to get outside, feel the sunshine, and rediscover your community on two wheels. Whether you’re a daily commuter or just dusting off your bike for the first time in a while, there are events, challenges, and resources to get you rolling. We recommend starting with the National Bike Month Guide or checking out some of the awesome events our partners are doing across California.
This isn't a comprehensive list. Check with other agencies and organizations in your area for more events and activities!
| Caltrans employees celebrating May is Bike Month |
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Active Transportation Program NI/Plan
Office Hours - April 16 & May 21
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Were you awarded a Non-Infrastructure (NI) or Plan grant through the Active Transportation Program and have questions? Join the ATRC's office hours via Zoom, where your questions will be addressed one-on-one. Possible topics include implementation, resources, reporting questions, NI program evaluation, and more. Please note that technical assistance on applications for ATP Cycle 8 will not be provided during office hours.
The next office hours will be held on April 16 & May 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT.
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The ATRC is excited to announce the launch of free, self-paced online training modules on 6 new topics related to active transportation: Intersections, Land Use and Active Transportation, Roundabouts, Safe Routes to School, Safe Systems, and Shared Micromobility.
The modules provide more in-depth instruction and information about topics not covered in the ATRC's Introduction to Active Transportation Planning and Design training. The modules are intended to be independent of each other, and modules on additional topics will be added over time. You do not need to complete every module. Choose the topics most interesting and relevant to your work! Individual modules will take between 30 minutes and 1 hour each to complete. These online modules are provided at no cost using the Canvas platform.
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The ATRC is happy to announce two opportunities to attend this free, one-day course intended to introduce active transportation planning and design concepts to planners, engineers, public health practitioners, community-based organizations, and other champions with no or limited experience with the topic.
Through the course, you will explore the tools used to assess and evaluate the suitability of transportation infrastructure for use by all types of bicyclists and pedestrians, learn about California’s commitment to support all modes of transportation, and receive an overview of basic pedestrian and bicycle planning and design standards, guidance, and tools.
September 24, 2026, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego
October 1, 2026, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Caltrans Headquarters, Sacramento
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| Partner Webinars and Training | | |
More Than a Sidewalk: How Great Places Encourage Walking - America Walks
April 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PT
This webinar, jointly hosted by the Urban Land Institute and America Walks, features Ethan Kent of PlacemakingX and placemaking expert Carol Coletta to explore strategies that transform ordinary streets into dynamic places.
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Unlocking Freedom: How Biking Builds Independent Kids and Teens - League of American Bicyclists
April 21, 2026 12:00 PM PT
Children's independent movement in the built environment has declined over the past several generations. Independent mobility is critical to kids and teens engaging in play, social connection, and physical activity, while experiencing freedom and developing autonomy. Presenters will deliver content focused on the benefits and factors associated with biking and independent mobility, as well as interventions to support them.
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Trails as Social Infrastructure: Practical Strategies to Build Connections in a Disconnected World - Rails to Trails Conservancy
April 22, 2026, 11:00 AM PT
Research shows that more than half of Americans lack the relationships, support networks, and shared places needed for healthy social connections. Multi-use trail networks are one of the most accessible and scalable solutions that can bring people together across neighborhoods and generations. This webinar will explore how trails and trail networks can function as powerful social infrastructure: places where people gather, linger, and experience community.
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Developing the General Active Transportation Infrastructure Specification - Center for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
April 29, 2026 12:00 PM PT
The General Active Transportation Infrastructure Specification (GATIS) provides a consistent national format for data that represents the physical transportation infrastructure used by those traveling via active transportation – walking, bicycling, micromobility devices (e.g. e-scooters or skateboards), and assistive mobility devices like wheelchairs. The goal of the specification is to enable data pooling across jurisdictions and datasets. Join the webinar to learn more about how GATIS can help standardize your active transportation infrastructure data.
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Innovative Funding Processes for Rural Road Safety - USDOT
May 7, 2026, 10:00 AM PT
State, regional, and local transportation agencies will present on innovative funding programs, alternative contracting methods, and flexibilities to distribute resources effectively and efficiently across State, Tribal, and locally owned rural roads to maximize safety impact. Strategies will emphasize effective investments and program eligibility, non-traditional funding sources, and systemic data-driven investments.
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Reclaiming Streets for Students: The Open Streets for Schools Program - Portland State University
May 15, 2026, 12:00 PM PT
This talk will present ongoing efforts to evaluate health equity and physical activity impacts of the NYC Open Streets for Schools program. The talk will also discuss future directions for advancing this work to support the expansion and sustainability of the program.
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Organizing Bike Audits: A Community Advocate's Guide - League of American Bicyclists
May 19, 2026, 12:00 PM PT
Bike audits are one of the most accessible tools in a community advocate's toolkit, and one of the most powerful ways to collect meaningful data for safe streets advocacy. Whether you're just curious or already in the planning stages, join us to hear from advocates who have been there and learn how to turn what you observe on your streets and trails into a case for real change.
| | A roundup of recent research, publications, and other resources to support your work | | |
Children's Bicycle Rodeo Overview
This five-page Children's Bicycle Rodeo Overview is designed to be a first stop for those planning a children’s bike rodeo event and includes critical components and considerations. Also included is a helpful table summarizing the recommended bicycle-riding skills taught at each station, including the best skill level to be taught, space, materials, and volunteers needed. We hope you can create a bike rodeo that improves cycling skills, encourages safe riding, and fosters a love for cycling.
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An Update of E-Bike Purchase Incentive Programs in North America – Transportation Research and Education Center, Portland State University
This white paper summarizes the results of the most recent scan of e-bike incentive purchase programs and reviews changes since the last scan in 2022. The goal of this white paper is to provide policymakers, agency leads, and local community leaders with the state of e-bike incentive programs to help them understand current policies and practices.
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GATIS: the General Active Transportation Infrastructure Specification – USDOT/Bureau of Transportation Statistics in partnership with the National Collaborative on Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Accessibility Infrastructure Data
The General Active Transportation Infrastructure Specification, or GATIS, provides a consistent national format for data that represents the physical transportation infrastructure used by those traveling via active transportation – walking, bicycling, micromobility devices (e.g., e-scooters or skateboards), and assistive mobility devices like wheelchairs. The goal of the specification is to enable data pooling across jurisdictions and datasets. It aims to capture attributes critical for mobility profile-based routing, asset tracking and maintenance, and other use cases.
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Community factors associated with the prevalence of pedestrian barrier removal plans in U.S. municipalities – Eisenberg Y, Askari S
This study looked at a nationally representative sample of local governments and found that 33.55% of communities had an ADA Plan and 17.45% were developing or updating one, ADA plans appear to be more common in communities with larger populations, Complete Streets and Vision Zero policies are associated with ADA transition plans, and pedestrian or bicycle plans are linked to greater ADA Transition Plan prevalence.
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Ecological Study on the Impact of Extreme Precipitation on Walking and Cycling to Work, 2005-2018 – Wende ME, Stroope J, Goins KV, Umstattd Meyer MR, Gustat J, Aytur SAA
This study assesses the longitudinal relationship between extreme precipitation and walking and cycling to work in the context of rising extreme weather and flooding. Using data from the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (2005–2018), the American Community Survey, and the North American Land Data Assimilation System, it found that extreme precipitation days increased over time, while walking and cycling to work declined. Effects were most pronounced in non-metropolitan and Midwestern counties. Findings underscore the importance of climate-resilient transportation planning for sustaining low-carbon, equitable mobility and advancing sustainable development.
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Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Trail Grants
Deadline: May 10, 2026
Projects that support the planning, construction, improvement, and maintenance of trails and trail networks in the U.S. will be considered. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, feasibility, studies, mapping, design, construction, and matching funds for state or federal grants for capital investments. Grant amounts will range between $10,000 and $25,000.
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FY26 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) - USDOT
Deadline: May 26, 2026
Established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Almost $1 billion is made available by this NOFO. The SS4A program provides funding for two main types of grants:
- Planning and Demonstration Grants are used to develop, complete, or supplement an Action Plan, as well as carry out demonstration activities that inform an Action Plan.
- Implementation Grants are used to implement strategies or projects that are consistent with an existing Action Plan and may also bundle funding requests for supplemental planning and demonstration activities that inform the Action Plan.
Visit the website for the NOFO, information about webinars for potential applicants, and the application.
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Reminder of Upcoming Funding Opportunity Deadlines
- Outride Grants
- Riding for Focus (R4F) - April 17, 2026
- Community Impact Grant - April 30, 2026
- Research Partnership Grant - April 30, 2026
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Additional Funding Programs
The ATRC maintains a list of additional programs that fund active transportation projects. This list serves as a resource for cities, counties, and agencies looking to fund valuable active transportation projects in their communities outside of the Active Transportation Program funding.
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Applications received by the April 7th deadline are currently being reviewed. However, the Institute continues to accept applications on a rolling basis. These will be reviewed and selected as space permits.
The UC Berkeley SafeTREC's 2026 California Safe System Institute for Road Safety is a collaborative effort in partnership with the Vision Zero Network and Fehr & Peers. This training and technical support program is designed for California professionals in planning, engineering, public works, law enforcement, and public health who are ready to move the needle on Vision Zero in their communities. Selected participants will join a cohort of practitioners for a deep dive into "forgiving" infrastructure, kinetic energy management, and collaborative implementation. To ensure meaningful discussion and strong cohort engagement, participation is limited to 25–30 individuals.
| | Celebrate National Bike & Roll to School Day next month! While May 6 is this year’s official date, communities are welcome to celebrate any May day that best fits their schedules and local needs. Bike & Roll to School Day invites participants to celebrate the joys of active commuting while building a sense of community, safety, and school spirit. An event can be as informal as a few families arranging to ride or walk to school together, or a big, splashy event with a program of activities and special guests. Register your event online. | |
Know a place where Complete Streets helped local businesses thrive? Tell us about it. Smart Growth America seeks suggestions for case study locations for an upcoming report. If you have an example to share, fill out the short survey. | |
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Celebrate Trails Day invites everyone to experience the country’s trails through events and self-guided activities. In this pivotal year for trails, join the Rails to Trails Conservancy in growing this annual springtime celebration as a partner, and help us generate even more attention and appreciation for America's trails and active transportation networks!
Explore free partner resources for planning events and preparing for the celebration.
| | Have a new report, project, webinar, or other exciting news that you would like the ATRC to share? | | Submit an item for consideration in the Resources or Partner News section of the newsletter by emailing us at at...@dot.ca.gov. Please submit your request by the second Wednesday of the month to be considered for that month's newsletter. | |
About the Active Transportation Resource Center
The Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) is invested in the success of the Active Transportation Program (ATP). Funded by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), the ATRC’s mission is to provide resources, technical assistance, and training to transportation partners across California to increase the opportunity for the successful implementation and outcomes of ATP projects. The ATRC utilizes a combination of subject matter experts from state agencies, universities, and consultants to provide active transportation services and resources that support ATP projects. Together, we can increase safe walking and bicycling for all Californians and work towards our state’s mobility, safety, equity, environmental, and health goals.
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