Active Transportation Program (ATP) Background
California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) draws both state and federal funds to provide a total of about $320 million each year for bike and pedestrian projects across California.
The program allows cities, counties, transit agencies and other public agencies to compete for grants to build bicycle/pedestrian paths, install bike racks and pay for other projects or programs that make walking or biking easier, safer and more convenient.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) administers the Bay Area’s share of ATP money. MTC works with local agencies to help them compete for funding through the statewide program.
MTC has programmed funds from Cycles 1 through 6. Since 2014, $557 million has been awarded to projects in the MTC region through the State and Regional ATP competitions.
Staff Contact
Karl Anderson, Funding Policy and Programs
Phone: 415-778-6645
Email: kanderson@bayareametro.gov
Call for Interest
MTC's Active Transportation Technical Assistance Call for Interest closed on September 30, 2023.
Active Transportation Program — Cycle 7
The next funding opportunity from ATP is now available. The California Transportation Commission approved the final statewide and MTC’s regional guidelines for ATP Cycle 7 in March 2024, with the Call for Projects released shortly thereafter. Cycle 7 covers fiscal years 2025/26 through 2028/29. Approximately $284 million will be available in the statewide component and $49 million in MTC’s regional component. The deadline for applications is June 17, 2024.
Interested applicants for 2025 ATP Cycle 7 funds should review the materials and applications below.
- Final State ATP Guidelines (Cycle 7)
- Statewide ATP Project Application
- Final MTC Regional ATP Guidelines (Cycle 7)
- MTC’s Regional Supplemental Project Application
Technical Assistance
To support Bay Area jurisdictions for ATP Cycle 7, MTC and our technical assistance program consultant can review and provide feedback on your final draft application. If you are interested, please send a copy of your draft application to Karl Anderson by May 27, 2024. MTC and the technical assistance consultant will provide comments on a first come, first served basis through June 14, 2024.
Applicant Workshop
MTC staff hosted a virtual Regional Applicant Workshop to share the latest program and application information on April 23, 2024.
- View the workshop video recording
- View the workshop presentation slides
- Download the workshop transcript
More Information
For additional resources, visit:
Requirements & Waivers
MTC requires project sponsors seeking regional ATP grants to put up matching funds totaling at least 11.47% of the grant amount.
The match requirement may be waived for projects that benefit low-income communities, communities of color, Safe Routes to School projects or stand-alone non-infrastructure projects. The statewide ATP grant program does not require a local match.
Disadvantaged Communities Requirements
State law requires at least 25% of ATP funds benefit disadvantaged communities.
ABAG and MTC define these Equity Priority Communities (formerly known as Communities of Concern) as those large concentrations of:
- Minority residents
- Household incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level
- Limited English-proficient households
- Zero-vehicle households
- Seniors age 75 or older
- Residents with a disability
- Single-parent families
- Rent-burdened households
View the Equity Priority Communities interactive map.
Partnership
MTC and its Active Transportation Working Group collaborate with county transportation agencies, Bay Area transit agencies, the California Department of Transportation, the California Transportation Commission and others working in active transportation to develop the regional ATP.