In July, President Trump announced his decision to stop federal funding of bike lanes. With a network of bike lanes in DC costing hundreds of millions of dollars, federal funds have been a driving force. The question arises: What effect will the withdrawal of federal funds have on bike line projects in DC? District Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kirschbaum says DC will pay for them.
“Both the Mayor and Council see the benefit of improving the District’s trail and bikeway networks and provide capital funds to support this effort. Federal agencies are now reviewing their previously awarded grants and letting us know if there are concerns with any elements of the funded project scope or components. We do not plan to apply for new Federal grants to pay for bikeways included in our 5 year work plan,” Kershbaum writes in a letter to DC Safe Streets Coalition on August 27.
Projects that weigh in the balance include Grant Circle, Taylor St. NE, Missouri Ave and Western Ave. In view of recent constraints on the DC budget, what will DC cut to pay for bike lanes?
Moreover, residents watch with growing alarm as DC tries to shoehorn bike lanes on streets where they do not fit. Ostensibly making streets safer for bikers, DC has upended safety for all the rest of us – pedestrians, seniors, the disabled, and drivers. DC has created fear and confusion on DC streets, not safety. According to Kershbaum, DC ranks as 5th most bike friendly city in the country. What more do we need? At what cost? This is an election year. It’s time to find candidates who will change course.
While DC promotes and subsidizes e-bikes on city streets, DC Safe Streets Coalition is petitioning to regulate e-bikes and scooters following other jurisdictions like New Jersey and New York responding to a spike in injuries, especially among children. Please sign our petition. This is something voters can do that DC will not do it on its own. https://c.org/GVFzcRN8kP
Nick DelleDonne
DC Safe Streets Coalition
703 929 6656
August 31, 2026