The phrase "active transportation" refers to sustainable, multimodal transportation solutions that connect people to where they need to go - such as work, school and to access essential services using "active" modes such as walking, bicycling, and taking public transit. At the Oregon Department of Transportation, it means that and more: active transportation includes strategically investing in infrastructure in response to community and user needs.

ODOT created the Active Transportation Section as a part of its continuing transformation to an agency that manages a multimodal, community-focused, statewide transportation system. The Active Transportation Section brings many related programs together in order to deliver more broad-based, solution-oriented projects.

On July 12, 2011, ODOT Director Matt Garrett had this to say:

"Our funding structure is overwhelmingly dedicated to highway programs, so we have to be imaginative in how we use discretionary funds and other funding that is directed to non-highway programs...

I think by bringing more discipline to the process and developing a new frame of reference through which we see proposals, we can be more strategic and we can leverage the funds to get a bigger system impact..." (See full article below.)