Complete Streets Act of 2025
Sen. Markey Introduces Bill Requiring States to Build Safer Roads for Pedestrians and Cyclists
The Complete Streets Act of 2025 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works for review. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Every state would have to create a competitive grant program so local governments, tribal groups, transit agencies, and nonprofits can get funding and technical help to build safer, multimodal roads. States must set up these programs within two fiscal years of enactment.
From policy text
“Not later than October 1 of the second full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act, each State shall establish a program for a competitive process for an eligible entity to seek”
View in full text - States would be required to dedicate 5% of their federal highway funds to complete streets projects. Local entities could receive grants of up to $20 million per project for designing and building safer road infrastructure.
From policy text
“5 percent of the funds apportioned to the State under section 104(b) of title 23, United States Code”
View in full text - The bill creates new national design standards for major federally funded road projects, including requirements for protected bike lanes, accessible sidewalks and crosswalks, and better lighting. These standards would apply within 2 years to projects in metro areas with transit service.
From policy text
“the Secretary shall establish complete streets design standards that include-- ``(A) dedicated, protected bike lanes with advancing levels of protective design, consistent with the traffic speed, volume, and number of lanes of the road; ``(B) requirements for sidewalks and crosswalks consistent with public right-of-way accessibility guidelines; and ``(C) guidelines for lighting and signalization to promote safety.”
View in full text - The bill prioritizes underserved communities, requiring that complete streets programs serve low-income people, communities of color, rural areas, and tribal communities equitably. Grant priority goes to the most dangerous intersections and corridors for pedestrians and cyclists.
From policy text
“ensure that underserved municipalities, neighborhoods, rural areas, Tribal areas, territorial communities, and people, including low-income people and communities of color, are served equitably by the complete streets program”
View in full text - Certain roads are exempt from the new design requirements, including limited access highways, roads next to heavy industrial zones without transit service, and emergency repair projects. Projects already underway that meet the standards are also exempt.
From policy text
“A project described in paragraph (2)(B) or paragraph (3)(C) shall not include-- ``(A) a limited access highway; ``(B) any portion of a signalized arterial roadway adjacent to land that is zoned for heavy industrial purposes, unless that portion of the roadway has scheduled, fixed-route transit service”
View in full text - The Department of Transportation and Department of Justice would update accessibility standards for pedestrian facilities in public rights-of-way, including provisions for vision, hearing, cognitive ability, and language access, helping people with a range of disabilities navigate streets more safely.
From policy text
“to include in those accessibility standards provisions for vision, hearing, cognitive ability, and language access”
View in full text
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Introduced in Senate
Related News
2 articlesComplete Streets bill reintroduced in Congress
The bicameral legislation would require states to set aside 5% of federal highway funding for a grant program to fund Complete Streets projects. It allows local and regional entities to apply for technical assistance and capital funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus stops.
Congressman Steve Cohen Announces Approval of $18.8 Million for 15 District Projects
In a report on legislative activity, Rep. Steve Cohen's office highlighted the reintroduction of the Complete Streets Act of 2025 (H.R. 3712) alongside other infrastructure priorities aimed at improving community safety and public infrastructure through federal funding.
Related Bills
1 billSource Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Complete Streets Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(4)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.