The allocation of funding is a vital component in the creation of bicycle friendly communities. Bicycle lanes, end of trip facilities and encouragement programs all require capital funds. Increasingly, government agencies are beginning to appreciate the significant health, environmental, economic and social benefits of cycling. This appreciation has opened the way for new funding opportunities for bicycle projects.
One of the tasks for a cycling coordinator would be to note all the possible funding sources, public or private. Sometimes cycling initiatives can be funded from unexpected sources, particularly for behaviour change initiatives. Government sources of funding for cycling programs may originate from national, state or local programs on safety, education, youth, sports, health, leisure, tourism, the environment, urban renewal, safeguarding heritage or putting the unemployed to work. Private sector cycling funding can come from developer contributions, philanthropic trusts or sponsorships.
