America Bikes Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9041
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-26: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T14:13:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
America Bikes Act (H.R. 9041)
Purpose
This bill establishes programs to enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, promote active transportation (defined as human-powered mobility like walking and bicycling), improve safety for vulnerable road users, support bicycle manufacturing in the United States, and incentivize bicycle commuting and transit integration.
Key Provisions
- Highway Safety Improvements: Amends title 23 of the U.S. Code to include projects connecting bicyclist or pedestrian infrastructure segments and reducing risks to vulnerable road users as eligible highway safety projects. Allows up to 100% federal share for certain such projects and expands flexible financing options using safety plan funds.
- Education and Guidelines: Authorizes on-bicycle education grants for school students and requires the Secretary of Transportation to update pedestrian and bicycle safety guidelines within one year, emphasizing training, traffic rules, and helmet use, with consultation and dissemination to state education agencies.
- Safe Routes to School: Increases the federal share to 95% for projects when states employ a dedicated coordinator.
- Federal Lands and Tribal Programs: Requires at least 5% of funds under sections 203 and 204 to support active transportation projects, including trails, sidewalks, and ADA-compliant infrastructure.
- Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program: Creates a competitive grant program for constructing connected active transportation networks (within communities) or spines (between communities or states), with at least 30% of funds allocated to each category. Authorizes $500 million annually from the Highway Trust Fund for fiscal years 2026–2030. Includes planning grants, higher federal shares (up to 100%) for high-poverty areas, and reporting requirements.
- Tariff Suspension: Temporarily suspends duties for 10 years on specified bicycle parts imported for U.S. assembly or manufacturing of complete bicycles, with certification and documentation requirements. Directs a report on impacts toward production goals of 2 million and 5 million bicycles annually.
- Tax Benefits for Commuting: Expands and reinstates qualified bicycle commuting benefits under the Internal Revenue Code to include electric bicycles, scooters, and bikeshare, with a monthly exclusion limit of 30% of the qualified parking benefit amount, effective for tax years after 2025.
- Other Programs: Reauthorizes the Safe Streets and Roads for All program through 2031 and reduces the non-federal match requirement; clarifies that electric bicycles are permitted on recreational trails where allowed by law; requires states to set aside 5% of certain funds for projects in comprehensive safety action plans; and establishes a competitive grant program for bicycle-transit integration projects (e.g., parking and bikeshare expansion).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Modifies multiple sections of title 23, U.S. Code, to prioritize bicycle and pedestrian safety countermeasures and increase federal funding flexibility.
- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to broaden tax exclusions for bicycle-related benefits.
- Introduces new grant authorities and a temporary tariff provision under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
- Updates the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to extend and adjust funding matches for safety programs.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities and funding access for the Department of Transportation, states, metropolitan planning organizations, and Indian Tribes in planning, implementing, and reporting on active transportation projects.
- Citizens: May improve access to safe walking and bicycling options, potentially reducing traffic congestion, emissions, and health risks associated with inactivity.
- International Relations/Trade: Affects U.S. bicycle assembly by suspending duties on imported parts, with possible effects on domestic manufacturing and compliance with trade laws like Section 301 duties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal, state, and local transportation agencies.
- Metropolitan and regional planning organizations.
- Indian Tribes and multi-state government groups.
- Schools and educational agencies (via safety education programs).
- Bicycle manufacturers, assemblers, and commuters.
- Transit agencies and communities with high poverty or safety needs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Relies on Congress's spending and commerce powers under the Constitution for transportation funding and tax incentives.
- Includes provisions for cooperative agreements with federal land agencies and self-governance compacts with Tribes under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
- Requires rulemaking by Customs and Border Protection and the Transportation Secretary, with emphasis on data-driven planning and public input. The bill was introduced with bipartisan cosponsorship and focuses on infrastructure, safety, and environmental goals without altering core constitutional structures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-26: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-26: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-26: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- America Bikes Act — issued 2026-05-26 — PDF (34 pages)