04/01/2026
It was an honor to represent the Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition at this yearâs National Bike Summit Lobby Day, a pivotal event where advocates from across the country convene to promote safer, more accessible bicycle infrastructure nationwide. Our efforts focused on key transportation funding and policy issues critical to advancing bicycle facilities, infrastructure, and education in our region.
One of our primary advocacy points was regarding the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds. We strongly urged lawmakers not to combine TAP funding with other transportation programs. This separation is essential to ensure dedicated and reliable funding streams specifically for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, educational initiatives, and road safety improvements. Maintaining TAP as a standalone source guarantees that projects improving bike lanes, sidewalks, and safe routes continue to receive necessary financial support. An important success story highlighting TAPâs impact is found in our local community. The City of Las Vegas and the Clark County School Districtâs (CCSD) Safe Routes to School initiatives have been directly funded through TAP. These programs have positively influenced safety for thousands of students walking and biking to school.
We also advocated for the continuation and strengthening of the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) safety act. This legislation is vital because it ensures that smaller organizations and municipalities have access to crucial funding opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Supporting VRU funding equitably distributes resources to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable individuals on our roads, regardless of community size. The City of Henderson is currently utilizing VRU funds for its innovative Micromobility Safety Campaign. This educational effort targets middle and high school students to promote safe riding habits and awareness, reflecting a growing commitment to road safety for all users.
In addition, we lobbied for increased funding for the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local control over how grants are used. SS4A is a federal initiative that supports comprehensive strategies to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on roads. Notably, last year, 50% of awarded projects went to first-time recipients, signifying broader reach and impact. In Southern Nevada, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) leveraged SS4A funding to develop a Regional Action Plan and a Design Criteria Manual that guides safer street designs.
The SNVBC proudly contributed to this planning effort, ensuring that cycling safety is a core component.
Our role at the Summit reinforced the ongoing need to advocate tirelessly for safer street environmentsânot only for cyclists but also for all vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, children, seniors, and micromobility riders. We remain committed to advancing these goals through collaborative partnerships, education, and policy engagement.
The 2026 National Bike Summit brought together leaders, advocates, and professionals from across the country
RRegional Transportation Commission of Southern NevadaTruckee Meadows Bicycle AllianceNevada Bicycle Coalition
