Op-Ed: Federal Transportation Policy Is Growing Unhinged Under Trump

Just how crazy is Washington, D.C. on transportation policy right now? Let me count the ways.

U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter urging Congress to stop funding transit and bike lanes. Previously, the USDOT sent guidance to the states saying it would not approve grant proposals that reduced auto capacity, taking aim at wider sidewalks and better crosswalks. 

USDOT also scrubbed from its website “proven safety countermeasures,” such as reduced speed limits, redesigning streets to slow cars, and automated camera enforcement. Research shows that these actions save lives, and USDOT endorsement helped convince local jurisdictions to take action. Now they are getting the contrary message.

Why? Because anything that impedes automobiles, according to USDOT is “woke” or “DEI”. A USDOT spokesperson added this unhinged message: “This is a common sense approach despite the Left’s belief that everyone should ride a bike to their shoebox-sized apartment to eat crickets to achieve a phony climate agenda.”

It would be humorous, except this animosity to anyone outside a car is deadly. In 2024 alone, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed on America’s roads. That represents an increase of 72% in pedestrian deaths since 2009.

It is not just words. USDOT has been actively withholding grants. The New York Times just reported that USDOT has not approved a single major transit grant since Biden left office. Prior administrations of both parties regularly approved such grants. 

It is not just transit. The Administration has already cancelled or withheld safety grants if the city or state mentions “equity,” or if it includes bike lanes. Let’s note here that we are a pedestrian safety organization; adding safe biking infrastructure separates bikes from pedestrians and is part of holistic street design that improves pedestrian crossings and reduces auto speeds. That design strategy is one of the proven safety countermeasures removed by USDOT.

Administrative monkey-wrenching of grants has also had a distinctly partisan flavor, ignoring Congressional intent that every resident deserves equal treatment.

The Trump Administration just admitted in court pleadings that it withheld energy grants based on how a state voted. Similarly, emergency declarations that release federal funding are also based on partisanship.

All of this has particular relevance as Congress considers the next reauthorization bill. We oppose the bill advanced through a House of Representatives committee for its substance: cutting transit, expanding highways, and eliminating programs that help heal the damage of past investments.

But we also ask, why would Congress pass even a well-crafted compromise when USDOT has made clear it will do as it pleases? What would stop USDOT from simply funding only what it wanted and withholding funds we need for safety, health and accessibility?

We are joining with our colleagues to tell Congress: “Make no deal on transportation reauthorization until the current administration proves it can follow the law.” 

The next transportation reauthorization will last five years. Help us spread the word so that we can get enduring federal transportation policies and spending that improve safety and our communities.