There are laws on the books which grant cyclists rights,
local laws and federal laws, namely your right to use
roadways and TEA-21/TEA-3.

ISTEA was a revolutionary transportation package which
designated massive amounts of money to bicycle projects.
ISTEA was reauthorized and became TEA-21, TEA-21 will
soon become TEA-3.
What TEA-21(effective 1996-2003) said was that planners
are required to consult with the public about their 
plans. And in addition to consultation they must 
actively attempt traditionally under-served communities
(minorities, low-income groups).
They are also bound by federal legislation to give
due consideration to bicycle projects.

Bicycle accomodations can also receive funding through
TEA-21. Bicycle accomodations are considered shoulders,
bike paths, bike lanes, etc.

But for the sake of everybody, never insist on 
bike lanes when a shoulder or curb lane will
suffice.
Bike lanes are usually poor quality routes which
are never maintained because only cyclist use them.
The good news is since every public road system is
federally funded, the people always have the say in 
transportation plans.

for more on TEA-21:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tea21/legis.htm