California Transportation Commission, UC Davis stress equity and demand as Active Transportation Program grows

At the 2025 Active Transportation Program Symposium hosted at the University of California, Davis, California Transportation Commission (CTC) leaders and UC Davis researchers emphasized the state's continuing demand for active-transportation projects and the program's focus on equity and research-to-practice partnerships.

Tanisha Taylor, executive director of the California Transportation Commission, said the active transportation program has funded more than 1,200 projects since its 2014 inception and cited a multi-billion-dollar total project cost figure. "Nearly 100% of active transportation program funds have gone to projects that address some of the many disparities that disadvantaged communities face," Taylor said, listing higher rates of traffic injuries, health conditions linked to poor air quality, and households with no access to cars as examples the program targets.

Darnell Grisby, chair of the California Transportation Commission, called the program "the state's only dedicated source of funding for active transportation infrastructure, education, and encouragement projects." He said the program goes beyond building sidewalks and bike lanes, asserting it also helps "build healthier communities, connect people to key destinations, and" advance the state's goals to cut vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions.

Alisa Kendall, director of UC Davis' Institute of Transportation Studies, framed the university's role in translating research into policy and practice. "We like to say we're the premier, sustainable, transportation institute," Kendall said, describing ITS's interdisciplinary graduate program, more than 60 affiliated faculty and more than 100 graduate students, and partnerships with more than 80 outside entities. She highlighted the Bicycling Plus Research Collaborative, launched in 2019, and the Active Transportation Resource Center (ATRC), which supports Caltrans and ATP applicants through technical assistance, curriculum development, and training.

CTC and Caltrans staff will offer technical assistance across the state, Taylor said, including guidance workshops and project tours intended to help jurisdictions compete for ATP funds. Taylor and Grisby both noted the program remains oversubscribed, with demand outstripping available funding, and encouraged applicants to use available assistance resources.

Organizers also covered event logistics and engagement tools: Michael Hutnick, ATRC coordinator and the symposium facilitator, asked attendees to use the Slido app for session interaction, scan QR codes to provide feedback, and reminded attendees about paid campus parking. Hutnick also introduced event staff and thanked UC Davis and CTC colleagues for organizing the symposium.

A recorded message from U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson about the Bicycle Commuter Act of 2025 was scheduled to be played later in the program.

Why it matters: the ATP is the state's dedicated funding mechanism for walking and biking projects; meeting participants and agency leaders stressed that technical assistance and stronger research-to-practice links are critical to ensuring proposals from urban, suburban and rural communities — particularly disadvantaged communities — can compete for limited funds.