Rep. Neguse, Sens. Bennet & Hickenlooper Announce Over $23 Million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding to Address Safety Issues for Pedestrians and Bicyclists in Boulder, Colo.
Lafayette, CO — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper announced $23,032,000 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been allocated to the City of Boulder to address intersection and corridor safety issues for local pedestrians and bicyclists. The Department of Transportation awarded Boulder with Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants to assist the city in implementing a systemic approach to safety that includes making much-needed improvements to high-risk roadways and intersections.
Data from the state of Colorado shows that 754 people died in traffic incidents in 2022, the most roadway deaths the state has seen in four decades. 36% of these deaths were pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicyclists. Additionally, individuals in the City of Boulder have been calling for the implementation of better safety measures following vehicle-cyclist and vehicle-pedestrian incidents earlier this year.
“Two years ago, I was proud to help lead the effort in Congress to enact the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I am excited to see the ways in which it continues to deliver for the people of Boulder County. The latest announcement of funding will help protect local pedestrians and bicyclists, improving community welfare and ensuring that everyone can navigate the city safely,” said Congressman Neguse.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the most significant investment in America’s roads and bridges since Eisenhower. This funding will help Boulder meet the needs of our state’s growing population and improve the safety of our roadways. I’ll keep working to make sure that communities throughout Colorado continue to benefit from this historic legislation,” said Senator Bennet.
“Whether they’re walking, biking, driving, or taking the bus, our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making commutes safer for Coloradans!” said Senator Hickenlooper.
“We are thrilled and honored to have been selected as recipients of the FY23 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, and we truly appreciate the support USDOT has provided to the City of Boulder and the hard work of Congressman Joe Neguse and U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper to make this happen. The grant will have an enormous impact on our ability to realize Boulder’s Vision Zero Action Plan and contribute to our goal to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero. We are eager to make the most of this opportunity to make our streets safer for all and contribute to the positive impact that USDOT is achieving with this historic investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Aaron Brockett, Mayor of Boulder.
Specifically, the City of Boulder has been awarded funds to address intersection and corridor safety issues for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project focuses on three key problems: pedestrian safety at marked, non-signalized crosswalks, crashes affecting vulnerable road users on priority arterial segments, and severe-injury crashes at 6 key intersections. To address these issues, the project will implement safety best practices at 22 intersections in the City, including installing leading pedestrian intervals, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, and protected intersections. Project components also include adding traffic signals and retroreflective backplates, constructing protected bike lanes and bus lanes, completing missing segments of an existing multi-use path, increasing all-red clearance intervals, and prohibiting right turns on red at key intersections. The City includes a demonstration activity to study and address right-turn slip lanes across Boulder.
In addition to this announcement, $120,000 was also awarded to the Town of Lyons to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. Actions Plans work to significantly improve roadway safety, aiming to reduce and eliminate serious injury and fatal crashes.
"The Town of Lyons is thrilled and grateful to be a recipient of the Safe Streets for All Planning Grant to further our Vision Zero goals and safely improve mobility in our town. We’re looking forward to the planning process to enhance pedestrian, cycling and vehicle connectivity and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The generous Safe Streets for All Planning Grant will help make travel through—and throughout—Lyons safer and more pleasant, benefitting our business community, our residents, and our visitors. We can’t wait to get started,” said Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons.
The historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, enacted in November 2021, established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program, with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. Rep. Neguse played a key role in the swift passage and enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a monumental piece of legislation that invests in the economy, rebuilds roads and bridges and ensures American communities can compete in the 21st Century.
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