Today the Trump Administration rolled out its Fiscal Year 2019 budget proposal, which includes the elimination of the TIGER Program and a transportation infrastructure package that largely leaves bicycle infrastructure on the sidelines. Both proposals are expected to face significant opposition in Congress.

“The president’s infrastructure proposal seems to allow little (if any) room for new bicycle investments,” said PeopleForBikes Vice President Business Network Jenn Dice. “It is frustrating that the president won’t address our antiquated transportation network with a comprehensive proposal to modernize all modes of transportation. Bike infrastructure is cost-effective, focused on safety, and helps mitigate our growing congestion problems.”

“The TIGER Grant program continues to enjoy broad bipartisan support in Congress,” Dice said, “because members have seen its positive impacts in their backyard. The president is proposing to slash programs that provide important investments for improving our communities, and strengthening our economy.”

The TIGER program is wildly popular, receiving 12 applications for every grant awarded. Because it is so cost-effective, TIGER stretched a $5 billion investment to cover 421 community projects.  

“The elimination of the TIGER program wouldn’t just hurt the $88 billion bike industry, but it would also inhibit innovative transportation projects that support economic development and healthy communities,” Dice said.

“We look forward to working with our allies on Capitol Hill from both parties to ensure that our transportation policies support all modes of transportation and that they continue to fund programs, like TIGER, that are effectively building infrastructure in communities across America today.”