The Active Transportation Program was created by Senate Bill 99 to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as walking and biking.

The Active Transportation Program consolidated various transportation programs into a single program and was originally funded at about $123 million a year from a combination of state and federal funds. The goals of the ATP include, but are not limited to, increasing the proportion of trips accomplished by walking and biking, increasing the safety and mobility of non-motorized users, advancing efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, enhancing public health, and providing a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of users including disadvantaged communities.

In 2017, the Legislature passed and the Governor signed Senate Bill (SB) 1, also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act. SB 1 directs $100 million annually from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account to the ATP, significantly augmenting the available funding for this popular program.

Program Benefits

Since its inception, the Active Transportation Program has funded over 800 active transportation projects across the state benefiting both urban and rural areas. More than 400 of the funded projects are Safe Routes to Schools projects and programs that encourage a healthy and active lifestyle throughout students' lives. In addition, every cycle has seen more than 85% of funds going towards projects that will benefit disadvantaged communities throughout the state.

While the Active Transportation Program has successfully funded projects across the State, the Program is incredibly oversubscribed and cannot meet all of the State's needs. Therefore, the Commission and Caltrans have developed a list of additional programs that fund active transportation projects and elements to serve as a resource for cities, counties, and agencies looking to fund valuable active transportation projects in their communities.

Active Transportation Resource Center

The Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) is funded by the California Transportation Commission's Active Transportation Program. The ATRC utilizes a combination of subject matter experts from state agencies, universities, and consultants to provide active transportation trainings, tools, and technical assistance for current and potential ATP applicants. The ATRC also provides resources for infrastructure and non-infrastructure ATP projects.

Active Transportation Program Engagement Summary

The 2023 Active Transportation Program Engagement Summary outlines the extensive outreach and engagement conducted by Active Transportation Program staff in preparation for the 6th cycle of the program. Through virtual platforms, Active Transportation Program staff engaged stakeholders in updating the guidelines, application and scoring rubrics, along with technical assistance workshops that addressed program-related questions, provided program education and analyses of region’s performance in prior cycles. The Active Transportation Program team also held 96 virtual site visits, touring over 100 projects with potential applicants for the 2023 Program. The Engagement Summary discusses the results of the extensive outreach, along with the lessons learned and major takeaways from the 2023 Active Transportation Program engagement.

The 2023 Active Transportation Program Engagement Summary was presented at the June 29-30, 2022 Commission Meeting.

Active Transportation Symposium

The Active Transportation Program Symposiums are multi-day events co-hosted by the California Transportation Commission and Caltrans. The goals of the Symposium are to share and gather information on relevant active transportation topics and issues, and allow stakeholders to connect with the State in an alternate setting. The Symposiums showcase inspiring speakers, engaging panel sessions, provide networking opportunities and implementable solutions.

The 2019 Active Transportation Program Symposium was a two-day event, held on October 29 and 30, and took place at the Ziggurat on 707 3^rd Street, West Sacramento, California. Learn more about the speakers and watch the Webcast on the Active Transportation Resource Center.

The 2021 Active Transportation Program Symposium was a three-day virtual event, held on October 26, 27 and 28. Learn more about the speakers and watch Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 Plenary presentations on the Active Transportation Resource Center.

Accessibility Assistance

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