Bill Summary
The "Biking Instruction, Knowledge, and Education Act of 2025" (or "BIKE Act of 2025") aims to enhance bicycle safety education for students by allowing states to use federal grant funds specifically for providing on-bicycle education to elementary and secondary school students.
The legislation amends Section 405 of Title 23 of the United States Code to include this educational initiative as an allowable use of grant funds. In addition, it mandates the Secretary of Transportation to revise existing guidelines on pedestrian and bicycle safety within one year of enactment. The revised guidelines are intended to promote nonmotorized safety education, focusing on essential skills such as safe bicycling practices, roadway navigation, traffic rules, safety precautions, and the importance of helmet use.
Furthermore, the Secretary is required to consult with educators and disseminate updated materials and curricula to state educational agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving bicycle safety education. A report on the implementation and effectiveness of these guidelines is to be submitted to Congress within three years of the Act's enactment.
Possible Impacts
The "Biking Instruction, Knowledge, and Education Act of 2025" (BIKE Act of 2025) has the potential to impact individuals and communities in several ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Enhanced Safety for Young Cyclists**: The act mandates the provision of on-bicycle education to elementary and secondary school students. This could lead to a generation of young cyclists who are better equipped with the skills to navigate roadways safely. Improved education on traffic rules, safety precautions, and helmet use can significantly reduce the number of accidents involving young cyclists, potentially saving lives and reducing injuries.
2. **Community Awareness and Engagement**: By revising the guidelines on pedestrian and bicycle safety, the act encourages communities to engage in nonmotorized safety education efforts. This could foster a culture of biking within communities, leading to increased participation in local biking events or programs. As communities become more aware of biking safety and infrastructure, this can promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce reliance on motor vehicles, contributing to environmental sustainability.
3. **Access to Resources and Training**: The act requires the Secretary to consult with educational practitioners and disseminate new curriculum and guidelines to State educational agencies. This ensures that schools receive updated materials and training to implement effective on-bicycle education programs. Students, educators, and parents will have access to valuable resources that can enhance the quality of biking education, ultimately leading to more knowledgeable and responsible cyclists in the community.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4699 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4699
To amend section 405 of title 23, United States Code, to permit a State
to use grant funds for the purpose of providing on-bicycle education,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 23, 2025
Mr. Magaziner (for himself, Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Thompson of California,
Ms. McCollum, Ms. Brownley, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Cohen, and
Ms. Titus) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend section 405 of title 23, United States Code, to permit a State
to use grant funds for the purpose of providing on-bicycle education,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Biking Instruction, Knowledge, and
Education Act of 2025'' or the ``BIKE Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. GRANT FUNDS TO PROVIDE ON-BICYCLE EDUCATION.
Section 405(g)(5) of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C)(iv), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) providing on-bicycle education to elementary
school and secondary school students.''.
SEC. 3. REVISION OF GUIDELINES ON PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE SAFETY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall revise the Highway Safety Program
Guideline No. 14 on Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety to encourage
nonmotorized safety education for elementary and secondary school
students. In revising the guidelines, the Secretary shall ensure that
such guidelines--
(1) encourage on-bicycle training that promotes bicycling
skills and safe practices;
(2) increase awareness and proficiency in navigating
roadways;
(3) emphasize traffic rules;
(4) describe safety precautions; and
(5) emphasize the importance of helmet use for cyclists.
(b) Consultation and Dissemination.--In carrying out the revision
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) consult with practitioners involved in education
efforts to update any existing materials and curriculum for
elementary and secondary schools, including the Bike Walk
friendly assessment tool; and
(2) disseminate new curriculum and guidelines on pedestrian
and bicycle safety to State educational agencies.
(c) Report Required.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
on--
(1) the state or activities implemented using the
guidelines described in subsection (a), including any materials
and curriculum revised under this section, and a process for
tracking implementation;
(2) consultation efforts to revise such guidelines and
related materials; and
(3) dissemination efforts of the guidance to State
educational agencies, including training efforts and promotion,
including opportunities for States to share implementation
challenges and successes.
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