- Many people assume incorrectly that pedestrians and cyclists pay less than their fair share of roadway costs because they do not pay fuel taxes or vehicle registration fees dedicated to highway funding. Local roads (the roads used most for walking and cycling) are mainly funded through general taxes that residents pay regardless of their travel patterns. Less than 10% of local road funding originates from vehicle user fees in the U.S. Local road funding from general taxes averaged about 2.2¢ per motor vehicle mile of travel on local roads. As a result, people who rely on non-motorized modes and drive less than average tend to subsidize other residents who drive more than average.