America Bikes Act gains traction, but critics pump the brakes

America Bikes – A bipartisan push led by Reps. Mike Thompson and Vern Buchanan aims to expand bicycle infrastructure funding, boost cycling education, and revive U.S. bike manufacturing through incentives. Supporters argue the effort matches rising demand and can improve safe

By the time Rep. Mike Thompson was talking about bikes, the conversation wasn’t abstract. He described an idea that starts with roads—safer streets and trails—and ends with what happens to an industry that was shaken when overseas production slowed or shifted.

Thompson, a Democrat from California, co-chairs the Congressional Bike Caucus alongside Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Republican from Florida. Together. they introduced the “America Bikes Act. ” a bipartisan proposal designed to expand federal support for bicycle infrastructure. promote cycling education. and create incentives intended to bring bike manufacturing back to the United States.

The bill’s supporters say it’s a response to a clear shift in public behavior: more Americans are using cycling for transportation and recreation. and they want safer places to do it. Thompson, an avid cyclist, framed the legislation as a long-term investment in both infrastructure and domestic industry.

“The bottom line is, we would like to encourage and incentivize the production of bicycles … in the United States, but you just can’t flip a switch,” Thompson said in an interview with Straight Arrow.

Under the proposal, lawmakers call for expanding federal funding to help local governments build safer roads and trails. The act also includes programs meant to connect bicycles with public transit, along with youth cycling education. Supporters say safety improvements sit at the center of the bill because bicycle commuting has grown substantially in recent decades.

Thompson pointed to that demand, saying, “We know that … bicycle commuting has grown some 60% nationwide.” He added that “Americans say they want to ride more … but they feel the roads aren’t safe enough to do it.”

Supporters argue that investing in safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians can do more than reduce crashes. Thompson said the infrastructure push could reduce traffic congestion, improve public health, and cut emissions. He also emphasized that the bill is about giving people a reason to ride without feeling exposed.

“We should be doing everything we can to make sure we provide safer routes for everyone,” Thompson said.

A major battleground inside the legislation is its manufacturing goal. Lawmakers say the United States should rebuild domestic bicycle manufacturing so supply chains are more stable after pandemic-era disruptions. Thompson said overseas production setbacks left manufacturers facing challenges.

“Anything we can do to make for a more stable supply chain … the better off we’ll be,” Thompson said.

But the economic math is where the criticism gathers. Stewart Munson, a Missouri bicycle retailer, told Straight Arrow that domestic manufacturing is “simply not economically viable” under current conditions. Munson warned that to make U.S.-based production competitive, the country could need substantial taxpayer subsidies.

The bill’s efforts to increase bike ownership also meet resistance. Munson said subsidy initiatives—especially e-bike incentives—have shown mixed results, and he warned that some past efforts created complications for retailers.

Still. safety is the area where there appears to be more shared ground. even among those cautious about other parts of the proposal. Munson acknowledged that road conflicts between cyclists and drivers are complex and said responsibility falls on both sides. He pointed to distracted driving and cyclists ignoring traffic rules as factors behind the tension on shared roads.

Thompson and other advocates, for their part, argue that the economic payoff from bike-friendly infrastructure can be real. Thompson highlighted trail development projects that have generated millions in local revenue, saying safe cycling infrastructure can boost tourism and small businesses.

Even so, critics question whether the United States can scale up to the kind of bike networks seen in parts of Europe. Munson said that while some regions have made progress, replicating those systems nationwide would be difficult.

Thompson didn’t dismiss those concerns. He spoke with confidence that continued investment could build momentum.

“You can’t have 50% of Americans saying they want to ride a bike more … without seeing that trickle into the political space,” Thompson said. “It’s the build it and they will come.”

America Bikes Act Mike Thompson Vern Buchanan Congressional Bike Caucus bicycle infrastructure cycling education e-bike incentives U.S. bicycle manufacturing supply chain bicycle commuting traffic safety