Merced pursues $3.5M–$10M Active Transportation grant as residents press for bike‑path safety

Summary

City staff told the BPAC that a California Active Transportation Program application (medium category, $3.5M–$10M) is due June 22; staff seeks community project ideas and potential Measure V match funding while residents and commissioners urged more rider education, improved outreach and project prioritization near schools and key crossings.

Merced city staff told the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission on April 28 that the city is finalizing an application to the California Transportation Commission’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) with a short timeline: the application is due June 22, 2026, and awards are expected around December if the city is selected. Laura Ivans Edge, management analyst in the engineering department, said the city is pursuing a medium‑sized application — a grant in the $3.5 million to $10 million range — and is compiling a project list (A–O) focused on safe routes to school, ADA ramp and sidewalk infill, flashing beacons and HAWK pedestrian signals. "We are doing outreach and compiling sites for improvements," Ivans Edge said, and invited residents to comment on engage.cityofmerced.gov.

Why it matters: the ATP program is a competitive statewide source of funding for walking and bicycling improvements; a successful application could unlock multimillion‑dollar construction projects in Merced and require the city to identify matching funds. Darrell Jordan, the city engineer, said staff will score…

Merced pursues $3.5M–$10M Active Transportation grant as residents press for bike‑path safety

Summary

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