Proposed Bill Would Direct Funds to Road Safety

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act was spurred by the death of a U.S. diplomat who was killed on her bicycle.

1 minute read

April 2, 2025, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Family wearing helmets rides down separated bike trail in city.

Leigh Trail / Adobe Stock

A bill introduced in the U.S. Congress would secure federal funding for bike and pedestrian infrastructure, reports Ginny Bixby in Bethesda Magazine.

The bill, the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act, is named in honor of a U.S. diplomat who was killed while riding her bicycle and would allow states and cities to use up to 10 percent of Highway Safety Infrastructure Program funds for bike and pedestrian facilities.

According to Bixby, “This is the second attempt by Raskin and Van Hollen to gain passage of the bill. Last year, the bill didn’t make it onto committee agendas for a vote.” Advocates like Langenkamp’s husband say the bill could help small communities with limited budgets make critical safety improvements.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed a similar state act last year, honoring the legacy of Langenkamp, who resided in Bethesda. The law “imposed the same penalties for hitting a cyclist in a bike lane as for hitting a pedestrian or cyclist in a crosswalk – up to two months in jail, and a fine of up to $2,000.”

Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Bethesda Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

7 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City