Active Transportation Program Guidelines and Policies

The Active Transportation Program was created by Senate Bill 99 (Chapter 359, Statutes 2013) and Assembly Bill 101 (Chapter 354, Statutes 2013) to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking, to increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users and advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. The ATP consolidates existing federal and state transportation programs, including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA), and State Safe Routes to School (SR2S), into a single program with a focus to make California a national leader in active transportation. The ATP is administered by the Division of Local Assistance, Office of Active Transportation, and Special Programs.

Caltrans has prepared a flowchart highlighting the purpose and goals of ATP using the text directly from SB99 in an effort to show the overriding nature of the ‘purpose’ of the program and the importance of stakeholders to identify and submit effective ATP projects to maximize this ATP’s purpose and goals. 

Program goals

The purpose of ATP is to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation by achieving the following goals:

  • Increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking
  • Increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users
  • Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction goals, pursuant to SB 375 (of 2008) and SB 341 (of 2009)
  • Enhance public health
  • Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program
  • Provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users

Resources