This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to send possible technology solutions to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve traffic control devices so vehicle operators, including bicyclists, can better protect pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. NIST must provide supporting evidence that these solutions will not overwhelm or distract operators and must follow federal rules.
The DOT must study physical alternatives to protect pedestrians and vulnerable road users. The study must:
The DOT must brief two House committees with the study results within two years. The DOT must also create a grant program for cities, Indian Tribes, and municipalities to fund pedestrian-safety infrastructure that follows federal rules and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Eligible projects include innovative crosswalk technology, added pedestrian facilities, buffer zones, crossings, better bridge accommodation for pedestrians, upgraded traffic signals, accessible pedestrian signals and sidewalks, more signage and lighting (including adaptive lighting), curb ramps, marked crosswalks, and grade-separated crossings. The bill authorizes $5,000,000 per year to carry out the grant program.
If you live in a city, town, or tribal community, your local government could apply for grants to add or improve sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, lighting, and other pedestrian safety features. The bill funds studies and pilot ideas first; it does not require immediate nationwide changes. The DOT will report study findings to Congress within two years. Details about how grants are awarded, how much each project could receive, and exact timelines are not provided in the bill text.
The bill includes an authorization of appropriations of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year to run the grant program. No publicly available information on total program costs, administrative costs, or how funds will be distributed beyond that authorization.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.