Controversy Over Removal of Bike Lanes from Safety Countermeasure List

In Washington, D.C., cyclists recently protested along 15th Street. The protest opposed the Department of Transportation’s decision to remove bike lanes. Plans to eliminate these lanes have upset many in the area.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been vocal about removing what he terms “DEI bike lanes.” The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has taken measures like bike lanes and speed cameras off their Proven Safety Countermeasures list. This list includes strategies shown to enhance road safety and reduce accidents.

Changes and Criticism

The FHWA indicates the removal aligns with current Department of Transportation (DOT) policies and priorities. However, some see it as undermining proven safety techniques. Stephanie Pollack, former acting FHWA administrator under President Biden, argues that safety decisions should be evidence-based. She previously expanded the program in 2021 to include 28 strategies, which has now been cut to 23.

Critics note that drivers expect their fees to improve road infrastructure. The DOT states it is focusing on core safety without complicating commuters’ lives with initiatives labeled as “social.” During the Trump administration, there were attempts to remove bike lanes around the National Mall and funding reductions for similar projects nationwide.

Impact of Changes

Safety advocates have noticed these recent changes, especially after the DOT’s announcement of $1.7 billion in grants. No funds were designated for bike or pedestrian projects, sparking concern that lifesaving initiatives could be overlooked.

The Proven Safety Countermeasures list doesn’t determine funding but influences state and local decisions. Josh Naramore from the National Association of City Transportation Officials says the list’s presence aids officials in planning and securing resources for safety projects.

Proven Benefits

Safety advocates stress the importance of evidence-based measures like speed cameras. According to the FHWA, speed cameras can halve crashes on key roads. Adding bike lanes may reduce crashes on two-lane roads by 30% and nearly 50% on four-lane roads.

Michael Griffith, former FHWA safety office member, emphasized that the list components were selected after detailed analysis and research. Despite a recent decline, over 36,000 road deaths occurred in the U.S. last year, and pedestrian fatalities remain concerning. Comparative figures show U.S. roads less safe than others in countries like Canada.

Pollack highlights the need for credible measures to reduce roadway deaths effectively. These tools help federal, state, and local transport authorities make informed decisions to bolster road safety.