The U.S. Department of Transportation has been removing safety materials that mention bike lanes from its federal websites, according to a report. The removals have affected a growing list of documents that previously included references to bike lanes as a safety measure.
Safety advocates are warning that this move undermines proven strategies for reducing crashes. They argue that bike lanes help protect cyclists and pedestrians, and removing them from official resources could lead to less safe road designs.
The exact number of documents removed or the timeline of the removals was not specified in the report. However, advocates say the trend is concerning because bike lanes are widely recognized as effective in preventing accidents involving bicyclists.
Transportation officials have not publicly explained the reason for the removals. The report did not include a comment from the department.
Bike lanes have been promoted in many U.S. cities as a way to encourage cycling and improve road safety. Studies have shown that dedicated bike lanes can reduce the risk of crashes and injuries for cyclists.
The removal of these references comes amid broader debates over transportation policy and funding. Some groups have questioned the emphasis on bike and pedestrian infrastructure, while others push for more investment.
Safety advocates urge the department to restore the materials and continue to support evidence-based safety measures. They emphasize that clear guidance from federal agencies is important for local governments planning road projects.