Maryland Department of Transportation Launches New Grant Cycle to Improve Local Bicycle Infrastructure

​IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Maryland Department of Transportation Public Affairs
David Broughton, 410-865-1029​​

Kim Lamphier Bikeways Grant Program supports local initiatives to improve bicycle infrastructure, connect our communities, encourage sustainability and improve safety   

HANOVER, MD (April 29, 2024) - The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced today that it has opened applications for up to $2 million in funding for projects that reinforce safety and improve bicycling infrastructure in communities across the state. The Kim Lamphier Bikeways Grant Program is a competitive program that focuses on building networks of bicycle infrastructure improvements, including better connecting trails and roads, and enhancing last-mile connections to work, school, shopping and transit.

The Bikeways Grant Program seeks to leverage past investments in bicycle facilities, complement existing state, local and federal programs, and promote biking as a safe, fun and healthy transportation mode. The grant application portal will remain open through May 31, 2024.

"Marylanders want increased access to safer and more convenient bicycle infrastructure," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Thanks to programs like the Kim Lamphier Bikeways Grant Program, the Moore-Miller Administration is taking action to deliver more bike lanes, improved trails and safer shared sidewalks across our state."

The Bikeways Grant Program supports projects that maximize bicycle access, fill missing links in the state's bicycle network, and enhance last-mile connections. Established in 2011 through the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund, the Program has funded 234 projects to date, totaling $38.3 million. This grant cycle makes an additional $2 million available for locally initiated projects. State funding may be requested for up to 80% of a project's reimbursable costs and the remaining balance of 20% or more of eligible costs is the responsibility of the applicants to fund through a local match. This program may also be used to match federal funds from discretionary grant programs like Transportation Alternatives.

The program is named after Kim Lamphier, a tireless supporter for safe bicycle access across Maryland. Over the course of her career, Lamphier led efforts to increase bicycle infrastructure funding, update the Three Foot Law and eliminate Styrofoam in Maryland. In 2020, the Maryland General Assembly voted to rename the Bikeways Grant Program in Lamphier's honor.