The Point: City and County Agencies can apply to fund active transportation projects that improve access to bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
By this time of year, many people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions to get more exercise and are instead sitting on the couch, eating doughnuts and potato chips. RCTC is working to battle that trend by inviting cities and the County of Riverside to apply for funds to boost access to biking and walking infrastructure.
RCTC issued a call for projects this month for applications that are due April 29. Through Senate Bill 821, funding is made available every two years and is derived from a ¼-cent general sales tax collected statewide through the Local Transportation Fund. Two percent of the proceeds are made available for these types of projects. For the new call for projects, RCTC estimates there will be $4.3 million available across Riverside County.
Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
- Engineering and/or construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities
- Maintaining bicycle trails
- Restriping Class III bicycle lanes
- Providing facilities for the needs of commuting bicyclists
- Developing bicycle and pedestrian plans
- Bicycle safety education programs
RCTC will evaluate the applications for projects that can begin on July 1, 2021 and be completed by July 1, 2024.
Applications will be rated and awarded based on how the project serves as a destination for the user. This can include employment centers, schools, retail centers, downtown areas, libraries, government offices, and other more. A second important metric is if the project can increase safety for the non-motorized public. Multimodal access to existing Metrolink stations, park and ride facilities, and existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities will also be considered. Applicants will need to demonstrate that project has a matching fund requirement.
RCTC staff is available for one-on-one sessions with prospective applicants through April 22. Please contact staff at info@rctc.org or through the RCTC “Contact Us” page for questions about the call for projects or to schedule an informational session.