Speak Up! by August 20 and tell US DOT that you support safe and sensible bike infrastructure.- See suggestions below for messages to send using League of American Bicyclists web page.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy recently said:
“I do think it’s a problem when we’re making massive investments in bike lanes at the expense of vehicles.”
Here in Fairfax County, we couldn’t disagree more. Safer roads for all users should be a federal priority, and convenience for cars should never come at the expense of bicyclists’ lives.
Now you have the chance to tell Secretary Duffy what you think. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is asking for public feedback on the next surface transportation reauthorization bill—a law that will shape federal funding and priorities through 2031. Every American is invited to weigh in, and comments are due by August 20.
This is our opportunity to make sure Fairfax voices are heard loud and clear.
What’s at Stake for Fairfax Riders
- Safer Streets: Nearly 40,000 lives are lost every year on U.S. roads, including 8,500 pedestrians and cyclists. We need federal action to reverse this crisis.
- Local Control: Fairfax and other communities know where safety fixes are most needed. Local governments deserve more flexibility to direct federal funds to real needs.
- Proven Programs: Federal programs like Transportation Alternatives and Safe Streets and Roads for All are oversubscribed and working well. They should be fully funded—not cut back or rolled into other programs.
- Vehicle Standards: Safety must include people outside the car. Vehicle rules need to be updated so that pedestrians and cyclists are protected.
- Quicker Projects: Small-scale safety fixes like protected bike lanes or crosswalks shouldn’t get stuck in years of red tape.
Make Your Voice Heard
Your comment doesn’t need to be long—even a few sentences makes a difference. Here are some short, ready-to-send examples:
- “Safer roads for everyone should be the federal priority. Bike lanes don’t come at the expense of drivers—they save lives. Please fund proven programs like Safe Streets and Transportation Alternatives.”
- “Communities like Fairfax know where safety fixes are most needed. Please give local governments more control over funding and flexibility in using federal programs.”
- “With record deaths of pedestrians and cyclists, vehicle safety standards must protect people outside the car too. Please modernize these rules to save lives.”
Submit Your Comment by August 20!
Click here to send your message to USDOT through the League of American Bicyclists Action Center.
Let’s make sure Fairfax voices are part of shaping a safer, healthier, and more sustainable transportation future.
Additional suggestions for short messages to cut-and-paste:
Safer roads for everyone should be the federal priority. Bike lanes don’t come at the expense of drivers—they save lives. Please fund proven programs like Safe Streets and Transportation Alternatives.
Communities like Fairfax know where safety fixes are most needed. Please give local governments more control over funding and flexibility in using federal programs.
Transportation Alternatives and other bike/ped programs work—but they’re oversubscribed. Please protect and expand these programs instead of rolling them into bigger pots.
With record deaths of pedestrians and cyclists, vehicle safety standards must protect people outside the car too. Please modernize these rules to save lives.
We can’t wait decades for safer streets. Please streamline permitting so small safety projects like crosswalks and bike lanes can move forward quickly.
As someone who bikes in Fairfax County, I know safe bike lanes are essential. Please make safety for all users—not just cars—the priority in the next transportation bill.
