Community Cycles supports the proposed City of Boulder’s Transportation Maintenance Fee and has worked with city staff for over a decade to identify a stable transportation funding source. For a modest annual fee—$54 or less for most homeowners—we can maintain safe streets and roads at a time when declining sales tax revenues are causing our infrastructure to deteriorate. These revenue shortfalls stem from post-pandemic commercial vacancies and broader economic pressures that have strained the city’s traditional funding model.
As an organization dedicated to promoting bicycling as a viable and sustainable form of transportation, we understand the critical importance of well-maintained transportation infrastructure. The deteriorating conditions of our streets, multi-use paths, and sidewalks directly impact the safety and accessibility of cycling and walking in our community. In addition, as maintenance costs keep increasing and sales tax revenue keeps declining, maintaining our streets means less funding will be available for making our street infrastructure safer.
The TMF addresses urgent needs that affect all road users.
The $6.4 million in annual funding will support essential maintenance including:
- Pavement and street safety improvements ($4.2M) that eliminate hazards for cyclists and motor vehicles
- Multi-use path capital maintenance ($380K) that keeps our bike network safe and functional
- Sidewalk repairs ($434K) that improve accessibility and connectivity
- Roadway markings maintenance ($296K) that provides crucial wayfinding and safety for all users
- Bus stop maintenance ($271K) that supports multimodal transportation options
Deferred maintenance puts vulnerable road users at greatest risk.
Potholes, cracked pavement, faded markings, and deteriorating paths create dangerous conditions, particularly for people on bikes. These hazards force cyclists into traffic, increase the risk of crashes, and discourage people from choosing sustainable transportation options. The cost of inaction—both financial and in terms of public safety—is simply too high.
The TMF represents sound fiscal policy.
After 15 years of analysis and extensive community input, two separate working groups identified the TMF as the most viable funding mechanism. The usage-based fee structure is equitable, and the predictable revenue stream will allow the city to address critical maintenance needs before they become exponentially more expensive. At just $54 annually for most homeowners, this represents a modest investment in infrastructure that serves our entire community.
Boulder’s transportation system is essential to our climate goals.
Maintaining safe, accessible infrastructure for walking and cycling is fundamental to achieving our climate commitments. Well-maintained paths and streets encourage mode shift away from single-occupancy vehicles, reducing emissions and supporting our community’s sustainability values.
Community Cycles supports the Transportation Maintenance Fee as part of the 2026 budget. This is a necessary investment in the safety, accessibility, and sustainability of Boulder’s transportation system.