While roadway corridor projects may serve as the heart and soul of the Regional Transportation Authority’s proposed $2.67 billion regional transportation plan for the bulk of transportation network users, the RTA Next plan projects include bike lanes, bike paths, sidewalks and other features.
A portion of the plan’s overall funding is specifically set aside for the Safety, ADA and Active Transportation Element, one of several transportation improvement elements in the plan.
Specifically, $255 million will go toward bicycle and pedestrian projects across Pima County, as well as to future safe routes to school projects and safety projects.
This funding, if approved by Pima County voters in March 2026, will offer transportation network users added connections that support alternatives to driving a vehicle, whether those reasons are to save money, support a clean environment or to seek a healthy lifestyle.
While some projects will help close connectivity gaps in the network, such as through miles of new sidewalks, others will add to the popular bicycling infrastructure enjoyed by commuters, tourists, or health and recreation seekers.
The 2006 voter-approved RTA plan also invested in bicycle and pedestrian improvements with 84 signalized pedestrian crossings, 183 miles of new sidewalks and 370 miles of bike lanes completed. Due to financial impacts to anticipated RTA tax revenues during and following the 2008 Great Recession, $10 million of the $255 million investment in RTA Next will go toward completing promised bike lane miles identified in the 2006 plan.
If voters approve RTA Next, identification of specific safety, ADA and bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects will be determined based on technical direction from member jurisdictions as well as through public input over the next 20 years. All projects will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure access and connectivity for people with disabilities.
Questions: Email info@RTAnext.com