Planning Activities
Communities that are bicycle and pedestrian-friendly have one thing in common: they place a high priority on planning methods and policies that favor alternative modes of travel. Planning enables communities to be proactive in addressing pedestrian issues and providing safe, walkable environments. Successful land use and transportation planning is key in establishing good multi-modal service.
Planning so that pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists can travel safely and conveniently can be a balancing act. However, the benefits reaped by well-balanced transportation and land use planning are significant. A transportation system that supports bicycling and walking enhances health, reduces traffic congestion, promotes economic vitality, and improves quality of living. Good policies and plans can take many forms and are developed and implemented at various levels of government, through institutional measures, and public involvement. In many cases, the support of the private sector is essential for success.
Learn more about how support for pedestrians can be integrated into plans and policies, and what is needed to create a good bicycle/pedestrian master plan, including:
- Determine community vision and objectives
- Facilitate public participation
- Create a fact-base: document locations of existing facilities and their use
- Identify and prioritize locations needing improvement
- Evaluate alternatives and determine solutions
- Review, revise, and recommend transportation and land use policies
- Establish key design procedures
- Prepare plans that meet federal requirements
- Evaluate and revise plans
Another document that describes the process for creating a pedestrian plan—specific to pedestrian safety issues—is the FHWA guide, How to Develop a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan.
