Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2011
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T20:12:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act (H.R. 2011) aims to improve safety for people using active transportation modes, such as walking and biking, by expanding and funding highway safety projects that protect "vulnerable road users" (a term referring to pedestrians, cyclists, and others at higher risk on roads). It focuses on connecting existing infrastructure and reducing risks through targeted strategies, while increasing federal financial support for these efforts.
Key Provisions
- Expansion of Eligible Projects under the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP): Amends Section 148 of title 23, U.S. Code, to include two new types of projects as qualifying "highway safety improvements":
- Connecting two or more segments of existing bike or pedestrian paths or facilities.
- Reducing safety risks to vulnerable road users through projects or strategies outlined in state or local safety programs (as described in subsection (l)(2)(B)).
- Increased Federal Funding Share:
- Allows up to 100% federal funding for the new project types mentioned above when using funds apportioned under Section 104(b)(3).
- Adds "proven safety countermeasures" for bicyclists or pedestrians (measures proven effective by the Federal Highway Administration, such as protected bike lanes) to the list of projects eligible for a higher federal share under Section 120(c).
- Flexible Financing Options:
- Under the surface transportation block grant program (Section 133(h)), permits the non-federal share (state or local funding required) to be calculated on a project, multiple-project, or program basis, and allows up to 100% federal funding for individual projects.
- Enables HSIP funds to count toward the non-federal share if the project includes proven safety measures for vulnerable users, aligns with state safety plans emphasizing these users, or is identified in local safety plans or consultations as addressing high-risk areas.
- Defines qualifying "safety plans" broadly, including pedestrian/bicyclist plans, Complete Streets plans (designs accommodating all users), Vision Zero plans (aiming to eliminate traffic deaths), ADA Transition Plans (for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act), Tribal transportation safety plans, and others approved by the Secretary of Transportation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Broadens Project Eligibility: Previously, HSIP projects (under Section 148(a)(4)(B)) focused on a list of specific countermeasures; the bill adds connections between existing bike/pedestrian infrastructure and risk-reduction strategies tied to planning programs, shifting emphasis toward active transportation networks.
- Enhances Funding Flexibility: Modifies federal share rules (Sections 120, 133, and 148) to allow full federal funding for targeted safety projects and credits HSIP funds toward matching requirements, which were previously more rigid (typically 80-90% federal share). This reduces the financial burden on states and locals for vulnerable user protections.
- Expands Countermeasure Recognition: Incorporates proven bike/pedestrian safety measures into higher federal share provisions, previously limited to items like breakaway utility poles.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: State departments of transportation, metropolitan planning organizations (regional planning bodies), and the Federal Highway Administration will have more tools and funding to prioritize bike/pedestrian safety, potentially speeding up project implementation but increasing administrative needs for plan development and consultations.
- On Citizens: Improves road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable users by funding better-connected paths and risk-reduction measures, likely reducing accidents and injuries in high-risk areas. It may encourage more walking and biking, promoting public health and equity for underserved communities.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic highway programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, bicyclists, and people with disabilities, who benefit from safer infrastructure.
- State and Local Governments: Receive expanded funding and flexibility, easing budget constraints for safety projects.
- Transportation Planning Entities: Metropolitan planning organizations, regional transportation groups, and Tribal governments, involved in identifying high-risk areas and developing safety plans.
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, responsible for determining "proven" countermeasures and overseeing fund use.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens implementation of existing federal highway safety laws by aligning funding with modern priorities like active transportation, without altering core statutory frameworks. It promotes compliance with accessibility laws (e.g., ADA) through recognized transition plans.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; the bill operates within Congress's authority over interstate commerce and federal spending on highways.
- Political: Encourages a shift toward inclusive, multimodal transportation policies, potentially influencing future infrastructure bills by highlighting equity for non-motorized users. It may face debates over federal spending levels but builds bipartisan support through named cosponsors from diverse regions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-03-10: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-03-10: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act — issued 2025-03-10 — PDF (6 pages)