The Shared Micromobility Investment Act (H.R. 8719) is a bill introduced by Representative Val Hoyle on May 11, 2026. It aims to explicitly include shared micromobility projects—such as bikeshare and scootershare systems—as eligible for funding under three federal surface transportation programs: the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program, the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program, and the Carbon Reduction program. While these programs have previously funded such projects, the bill seeks to formally codify their eligibility, providing clearer guidelines and reducing uncertainty for local governments and operators seeking federal support for these initiatives.
Supporters of the bill, including the North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA), have expressed strong approval. NABSA highlighted that in 2024, Americans took 171 million trips on shared micromobility systems, marking a 31.7% increase over the previous year. They argue that the bill will help cities expand bikeshare into more neighborhoods, create jobs, and offer residents affordable and accessible transportation options. Additionally, the bill is seen as a step toward reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation choices.
While specific negative media coverage is limited, some analyses suggest potential challenges. For instance, the Congressional Auditor notes that the benefits of shared micromobility are not automatic. If these services primarily replace walking, regular biking, or transit trips rather than car trips, the anticipated climate and congestion benefits may be diminished. Concerns also include safety issues, sidewalk clutter, improper parking, and the need for effective local regulations to manage these systems. Therefore, the bill's positive impact is contingent upon strong local management, safe infrastructure, and equitable access for all users.
The Shared Micromobility Investment Act, sponsored by Valerie Hoyle, does not show any direct industry overlaps with her top donor industries, which suggests a low risk of conflicts of interest. While there is some lobbying activity in the policy area, the lack of direct financial ties between the sponsors' donors and the bill's subject matter indicates that the motivations behind the bill are likely not influenced by donor interests. The only disclosed lobbying activity is from DIRSHU INTERNATIONAL, which contributed $100,000, but it does not appear to have a direct connection to micromobility investments. Therefore, voters can be reassured that this bill is not primarily driven by donor interests.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DIRSHU INTERNATIONAL | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | $100,000 |
| CEO WORKS | SAUNDERS GLOBAL DIPLOMACY | $45,000 |
| KAZI IG | SAUNDERS GLOBAL DIPLOMACY | $15,000 |
| SOUTHERN FOLGER CONTRACTING | BBT STRATEGIES LLC | $10,000 |
| WATERFRONT GLOBAL | BBT STRATEGIES LLC | $5,200 |
| DIGITALEUROPE | VIVID STRATEGIES LLC | undisclosed |
| INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| DR. STEPHEN SOLOWAY | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| ONE ISRAEL FUND | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| HEMOGLOBIN OXYGEN THERAPEUTICS | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| ATAOLLAH AMINPOUR | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| HERSEL NEMAN | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| MORAD BEN NEMAN | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| MARK SCOTT | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| BORIS MINTS | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Valerie Hoyle, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)