The Vermont Agency of Transportation (AOT) is seeking grant applications for infrastructure projects that improve access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. In 2025, the Agency awarded approximately $6 million for bicycle and pedestrian construction and planning projects throughout the state. Typical projects would be bicycle lanes, road shoulders to accommodate bicyclists, sidewalks, pedestrian crossing improvements, pedestrian or bicycle intersection signals, improvements that address requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and shared-use paths.
What This Program Funds
The AOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program improves access and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians through the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects. The program improves transportation options for commuters, visitors to the state, and recreational users.
The Federal Funds track supports scoping/feasibility studies, design, and construction of infrastructure projects that improve access and safety for people walking and bicycling. Applications may be for construction of new facilities, reconstruction of existing infrastructure to meet current design standards, or a combination of both. Projects that consist solely of preventive maintenance (e.g. repaving an existing shared use path) are not eligible.
The Small Scale Projects track supports construction of simple physical improvements that improve access and safety for people walking and bicycling. In addition to the projects noted above, the Small Scale Projects track can fund re-construction of existing sidewalks with clearly identified deficiencies, pedestrian crossing improvements, and pedestrian or bicycle intersection signals.
How Your Community Applies
Application materials are available online and are submitted as PDF files via email. Applications must be received by June 12, 2026.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to participate in the pre-application information and training webinar on May 4, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 AM.
Make Your Community’s Application Competitive
Federal Funds Track
- To be eligible for design and construction funds, projects must have completed a scoping study that conforms to VTrans requirements (see notice of funding).
- Applications require a current statement of support from your Regional Planning Commission (allow at least 3 weeks) and the municipality's governing body (Selectboard, City Council). Construction projects located in or adjacent to a State Highway right-of-way require coordination with the AOT District Transportation Administrator.
Small Scale Projects Track
- Projects ready to go to construction in 2027/2028 are the most competitive
- Projects that involve right of way acquisition, utility relocation or complex structural elements are not good candidates for this grant. Reconstruction of existing sidewalks with clearly identified deficiencies is an eligible activity.
- Applicants must notify their Regional Planning Commission that an application is being submitted. A current letter of support from the municipality's governing body (Selectboard, City Council) is required. Construction projects located in or adjacent to a State Highway right-of-way require coordination with the AOT District Transportation Administrator.
Where You Can Learn More
To learn more about this year’s grant program and access the program guides and applications, please visit the AOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program webpage.
For more information about the 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Program or other AOT initiatives related to bicycling and walking, contact Peter Pochop at 802-477-3123 or Peter.Pochop@vermont.gov.
Find Grant Writing or Grant/Project Management Help
VLCT published a resource, Increasing Municipal Capacity for Grants, that offers ideas for assistance with grants. Many of the capacity builders also provide project management services. Hiring experienced project management assistance can increase the speed of project development and help avoid cost, permitting, and other development surprises.