5. Assimilate other technical information and distribute it
as appropriate. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published a wide variety of reports and other resources based
on FHWA and NHTSA research, State and local best practices, and
international experience.
* Initiated publication of two resource manuals detailing how
State and local agencies should develop sidewalks and trails to
meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (due
in 1999).
* Worked closely with the American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the National Committee
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the National Committee
on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances to update the bicycle and
pedestrian sections of key documents; and initiated a 1-day training
workshop to update bicycle and pedestrian professionals on these
various changes.
* Worked in partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Council
to publicize new bicycle helmet standards (March 1999).
6. Conduct briefings for field, State and local offices on bicycle
and pedestrian program issues. (FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Made presentations on bicycle and pedestrian program issues
in many States including AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, ME,
NY, OR, RI, SC, TX, WA.
* Organized annual meetings of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian
Coordinators, to which FHWA and NHTSA headquarters and field staff
are invited.
* Initiated a series of State-level meetings between all those
involved in implementing bicycle and pedestrian projects through
TEA-21 (including FHWA Division Offices, Governors Highway Safety
Representatives, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators, Transportation
Enhancement Coordinators, advocacy groups, and others).
USDOT still needs to:
* Better train and work with USDOT field staff to ensure that
they are able to address the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians.
7. Provide materials on bicycle and pedestrian issues to national
organizations
Actions: USDOT has
* Made a wide array of publications and other resources available
to a diverse and growing number national organizations. Notable
projects include:
o creation of Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT)
software to assist State and local government record keeping and
problem identification;
o publication of a Bike to Work Day manual for the annual Washington
DC event sponsored by the Washington Area Bicyclists Association;
o a comprehensive Bicycle Safety Tool Kit, with an emphasis on
safety materials, which will soon be complemented by a pedestrian
equivalent;
o compilation of a Pedestrian Reference Set to augment information
available to communities wanting to improve walking conditions
o publication of a Spanish- and English-language Walkability Checklist
to help people identify pedestrian issues in their neighborhood
o a series of Spanish-language materials to address older adult
and child pedestrian safety issues
* Established the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse
to facilitate distribution of materials on bicycle and pedestrian
issues to national organizations (1994-1998).
* Distributed pedestrian and bicycle safety materials to diverse
organizations such as the American Public Health Association,
General Federation of Women's Clubs, Emergency Nurses Association,
National Association of City and County Health Officials, National
SAFE KIDS Campaign, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Coalition of Hispanic Health
Organizations, and many more.
Action Item 2
Fully integrate consideration of bicyclist and pedestrian needs
into planning; design; operational policies and procedures; and
suggested usage, accident rate, and evaluation methodologies.
1. As appropriate, include consideration of bicyclist and pedestrian
needs into revisions of DOT policies and procedures. (OST, FHWA,
NHTSA, FTA)
2. Distribute the revised policies and procedures to field offices.
(FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
3. Coordinate bicycle and pedestrian efforts with the Office of
Intermodalism and with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
4. Encourage AASHTO to incorporate appropriate criteria for accommodation
of bicyclists and pedestrians into their design, construction
policies, standards and guides. (FHWA)
5. Recommend revisions to the "Manual of Uniform Traffic
Control Devices" and the "Highway Capacity Manual"
to ensure appropriate consideration of bicyclists and pedestrians.
(FHWA)
6. Encourage the revision of State and local planning and design
policies and procedures to include consideration of bicyclists
and pedestrians as appropriate. (FHWA)
7. Encourage and publicize intermodal projects which include bicycle
and/or pedestrian components. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
8. Encourage State safety offices to include consideration of
bicyclists and pedestrians into their policies and procedures.
(FHWA, NHTSA)
9. Investigate the collection of use, crash/accident rate, and
evaluation data. Develop and test model usage, crash/accident
rate, and evaluation methodologies and encourage their use by
State and local officials. Assimilate and distribute this information.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
10. Develop prototype seating configurations and hardware to accommodate
bicycles on commuter and intercity rail and bus lines. (FTA)
11. Encourage liberalized policies by Amtrak for bicycle carriage
on rail. (FTA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 2.
1. As appropriate, include consideration of bicyclist and pedestrian
needs into revisions of DOT policies and procedures. (OST, FHWA,
NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Ensured that the USDOT proposal for the successor to ISTEA
(known as NEXTEA), fully integrated bicycle and pedestrian elements,
including continued eligibility for major funding programs and
inclusion in the planning process (1997). The eventual law that
was passed by Congress, TEA-21, reflected most of these recommendations.
* The NHTSA Strategic Plan includes mention of bicycle and pedestrian
issues:
"The agency's goal is to reduce the pedestrian fatality
rate to 2.0 and the injury rate to 30.6 per 100,000 people by
the year 2000. In addition, the DOT seeks to reduce pedestrian
and bicycle injuries and fatalities by 10 percent by the year
2000. A combination of public information, enforcement, engineering,
and outreach strategies will be used to reach these goals."
NHTSA's goal is to reduce bicyclist fatalities and injuries and
increase bicycle helmet usage. The agency will use a combination
of public information, legislation, enforcement, engineering,
and outreach strategies targeted to both bicyclists and motorists.
* The FHWA Strategic Plan includes a brief mention of bicycle
and pedestrian issues: "The FHWA, in partnership with the
total highway and transportation community, is preparing for the
future. Our vision is to create the safest and most efficient
and effective highway and intermodal transportation system in
the world for the American people--a transportation system where
everyone has access within and beyond their community and to the
world; a transportation system where crashes, delays, and congestion
are significantly reduced; a transportation system where freight
moves easily and at the lowest costs across towns, States, and
international borders; a system where roads protect ecosystems
and where travel on our roadways does not degrade the quality
of the air; a system where pedestrians and bicyclists are accommodated;
and a system where transportation services are restored immediately
after disasters and emergencies."
USDOT still needs to:
* Include bicycle and pedestrian consideration in core internal
planning and operations documents such as the US DOT Strategic
Plan and the modal administrations' performance measure plans.
The current USDOT Strategic Plan includes no specific mention
of bicycle issues and a passing reference to the safety of elderly
pedestrians.
* Improve overall awareness of bicycle and pedestrian issues within
the senior levels of the USDOT so that the stated priorities of
the agency and modal administrations are translated into actions.
2. Distribute the revised policies and procedures to field offices.
(FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Distributed a series of policy memoranda that highlight the
agency's commitment to biycle and pedestrian issues including
a February 26, 1999, policy memorandum from the FHWA Administrator
to field offices detailing changes brought about by TEA-21 (1999).
USDOT still needs to:
* Incorporate bicycle and pedestrian issues into the statements
of overall policy and procedure of the USDOT so that the issues
are integrated into the ongoing activities of transportation agencies.
3. Coordinate bicycle and pedestrian efforts with the Office
of Intermodalism and with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Worked with the BTS to develop a needs statement for current
research into the availability of bicycle and pedestrian data.
(1998)
* Worked with the Office of Intermodalism to develop the Millennium
Trails Initiative
4. Encourage AASHTO to incorporate appropriate criteria for
accomodation of bicyclists and pedestrians into their design,
construction policies, standards and guides. (FHWA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Provided a consultant to collect and assimilate technical
comments on the upcoming AASHTO Guide to the Development of Bicycle
Facilities (1996-1998).
* Worked closely with AASHTO to involve bicycle and pedestrian
professionals in the review and re-writing of the Guide to the
Development of Bicycle Facilities, in particular by soliciting
and compiling the comments of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian
Coordinators (1996-1998).
* Begun implementing the TEA-21 mandated study to develop guidance
on the various approaches to accommodating bicycle and pedestrian
travel, in cooperation with AASHTO, ITE, and other interested
organizations (1998-1999).
* Designated a staff person to serve on the review panel for an
NCHRP research project synthesizing pedestrian design guidelines
and standards (1999).
5. Recommend revisions to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices and the Highway Capacity Manual to ensure appropriate
consideration of bicyclists and pedestrians. (FHWA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Worked closely with the newly-formed National Committee on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices Task Force on Bicycling to revise
Part IX of the MUTCD.
* Developed a Final Rule for use of the flourescent yellow-green
warning sign (for bicyclists, pedestrians and school zones) and
the "Share the Road"warning sign.
* Completed a research project to study and develop necessary
changes to the Highway Capacity Manual; the research is complete
and the changes approved for inclusion in the 2000 edition of
the Manual. (1996-1998)
USDOT still needs to:
Include more pedestrian and bicycle-related innovative traffic
control devices in the MUTCD, including:
* develop a brochure outlining the MUTCD experimentation and
rulemaking processes
* ensure bicyclists and pedestrian interests are considered in
al MUTCD rulemaking activities.
6. Encourage the revision of State and local planning and design
policies and procedures to include consideration of bicyclists
and pedestrians as appropriate. (FHWA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Delivered 40 Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Accommodations
courses through the National Highway Institute (NHI) -- the course
includes extensive coverage of design and planning issues (1996-1998).
* Delivered 10 Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Under ISTEA training
courses through NHI -- the course includes extensive recommendations
on developing a planning process to integrate bicycling and walking
(1994-1995).
* Published Flexibility in Highway Design -- the book includes
discussion of bicycle and pedestrian design issues (1997).
* Published Implementing Bicycle Improvements at the Local Level
(1998) and drafted a companion pedestrian manual for publication
in 1999.
USDOT still needs to:
* Develop and deliver bicycle and pedestrian facility design
courses.
* Develop and deliver training on compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act.
2. Encourage and publicize intermodal projects which include
bicycle and/or pedestrian components. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Recognized the Traverse Area Recreational Trail and Wisconsin's
Highway 23 Improvement in the Environmental Excellence award program
(1997).
* Featured numerous intermodal bicycle and pedestrian projects
including the Stone Arch Bridge (MN), the Farmington Canal trail
(CT), and the Danville Rail Passenger Station (VA) in "Building
on the Past, Traveling to the Future", published with the
National Trust for Historic Preservation (1995).
* Published "Improving Conditions for Bicycling and Walking:
A Best Practices Report"which features the I-70 trail (Glenwood
Canyon, CO), Long Beach Bikestation, Phoenix Bike on Bus program,
Caltrain Bike on Rail program, and many more examples of intermodal
transportation projects.
* Created an interactive, multi-media kiosk on the CMAQ and Transportation
Enhancements program which features numerous bicycle and pedestrian
projects including Seattle's Spot Improvement Program and the
Long Beach Bikestation.
8. Encourage State safety offices to include consideration of
bicyclists and pedestrians into their policies and procedures.
(FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Created the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow, an interactive workshop
to help communities mobilize support for pedestrian safety activities.
DOT has sponsored at least 10 workshops and trained more than
150 trainers - who in turn have delivered dozens of Roadshows
in communities across the country.
* Published Traffic Safety Digest: A Compendium of Innovative
State and Local Traffic Safety Projects which includes descriptions
of a variety of pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives.
2. Investigate the collection of use, crash/accident rate, and
evaluation data. Develop and test model usage, crash/accident
rate, and evaluation methodologies and encourage their use by
State and local officials. Assimilate and distribute this information.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published Crash Typing in the 90's reports for both bicycle
and pedestrian crashes to update the way in which these crashes
are categorized. This in turn helps with the identification of
problems and specific countermeasures (1998).
* Developed and tested the PBCAT software to assist State and
local crash data gathering and application (1999).
* Updated research into the use of hospital data to capture more
accurate levels of bicycle and pedestrian crashes, especially
in relation to single person and off-highway crashes (1999).
* Disseminated a Model User Survey through the National Bicycle
and Pedestrian Clearinghouse to aid agencies wishing to collect
bicycle and pedestrian use data (1994).
* Published a Compendium of Available Bicycle and Pedestrian Trip
Generation Data in the United States (1994).
* Worked with Bureau of Transportation Statistics to develop needs
statement for current research into the availability of bicycle
and pedestrian data (1998).
* Issued annual Traffic Safety Fact Sheets on bicycle and pedestrian
injuries and fatalities.
USDOT still needs to:
* Collect and analyze bicycle and pedestrian exposure data to
help determine the impact of safety countermeasures and other
actions on bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
* Collect and analyze bicycle and pedestrian use data.
10. Develop prototype seating configurations and hardware to
accommodate bicycles on commuter and intercity rail and bus lines.
(FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item. The ongoing work of Caltrain and other
rail providers, and the developers of bicycle racks for buses,
has made USDOT's role in this unnecessary.
USDOT still needs to:
* Promote the work of rail and transit providers to the broader
transit industry.
11. Encourage liberalized policies by AMTRAK for bicycle carriage
on rail. (FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Identify FRA as the appropriate agency through which to work
cooperatively with the railroad industry and address the issue
of bicycle carriage on passenger trains.
Action Item 3
Provide funding for a bicycle and pedestrian friendly infrastructure
that includes new facilities and infrastructure retrofitting and
education for all road users, and enforcement programs for all
road users.
1. Actively promote the use of Federal-aid transportation funds
for bicycle and pedestrian projects. Follow up to determine the
amount of money spent in each State. Publicize the expenditures
and funding sources. (FHWA, NHTSA)
2. Actively encourage Section 402 funding to be used on bicycle
and pedestrian safety programs. (FHWA, NHTSA)
3. Encourage the use of Title III, Section 25 funds for facilities
and programs enhancing multimodal transit trips which include
bicycle and pedestrian components. (FTA)
4. Refine and promote educational and enforcement programs for
all road users relating to bicyclists and pedestrians. (NHTSA,
FHWA, FTA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 3
1. Actively promote the use of Federal-aid transportation funds
for bicycle and pedestrian projects. Follow up to determine the
amount of money spent in each State. Publicize the expenditures
and funding sources. (FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions of the Federal-aid
Program which highlights funding opportunities (1998).
* Circulated program guidance on the bicycle and pedestrian provisions
o the Federal transportation program that actively encourages
States and MPOs to use the full range of available funding programs
to improve conditions for bicycling and walking (1999).
* Ensured that the Federal Register Notice announcing the Transportation
and Community and System Preservation pilot program actively encouraged
bicycle and pedestrian related projects (1998).
* Attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the Metropolitan Branch
Trail (DC), a High Priority Project funded under TEA-21 (1998).
* Written the 1999 Public Lands Highways Discretionary Funds solicitation
to actively recruit trail projects - resulting in the award of
$11 million for bicycle, pedestrian, and trail projects (1998)
- and publicized the results of this solicitation.
* Produced an annual summary of obligated funds for the TE, CMAQ,
and STP programs.
USDOT still needs to:
* Improve the way in which the agency tracks expenditures on
bicycle and pedestrian projects that are an incidental feature
of larger projects.
* Encourage and assist States and MPOs in the speedier implementation
of bicycle and pedestrian projects using TEA-21 funds.
2. Actively encourage Section 402 funding to be used on bicycle
and pedestrian safety programs. (FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Initiated the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow, a citizen action
workshop that has been delivered in more than 50 communities,
which focuses on a variety of pedestrian safety programs including
those funded by Section 402 State and Community Traffic Safety
Program. More than 150 trainers have been trained to deliver the
Roadshow.
3. Encourage the use of Title III, Section 25 funds for facilities
and programs enhancing multimodal transit trips which include
bicycle and pedestrian components. (FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published Bicycles and Transit: A Partnership that Works (1998).
* Published Improving Pedestrian Access to Transit: An Advocacy
Handbook (1998).
USDOT still needs to:
* Provide greater assistance in defining and describing the
new Transit Enhancements Program created by TEA-21
4. Refine and promote educational and enforcement programs for
all road users relating to bicyclists and pedestrians. (NHTSA,
FHWA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Maintained an active, ongoing program to provide a wide range
of literature and resources on bicycle and pedestrian safety programs
including:
o Prevent Pedestrian Crashes a program for preschool and elementary
school children
o Walk Alert: National Pedestrian Safety Program Guide
o Ride Like A Pro bicycle helmet safety event and brochure
o Caminando a Travées de los Años, a three-part
Spanish language pedestrian safety program featuring a telenovela,
brochures, slide show etc.
o What's New About Bicycle Helmets brochure
o 10 Smart Routes to Bicycle Safety booklet
o Use Your Head: Before You Buy a Bike Helmet Make Sure it Fits,
poster and flyer
* Initiated work on the TEA-21 mandate to develop a national bicycle
safety education curriculum.
* Developed a Zone Guide for Pedestrian Safety to provide a systematic,
cost-effective way to target pedestrian safety activities.
* Developed a Bicycle Safety Resource Guide documenting bicycle
safety problem areas and available countermeasures in a matrix
format.
Action Item 4
Provide initial and continuing education and training for planning
and engineering professionals which encourages routine consideration
of the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians.
1. Refine and continue providing training for transportation
officials in field, State, MPO, and local offices on bicycle and
pedestrian accommodations and safety. (FHWA, NHTSA)
2. Provide training opportunities and technical assistance to
State Department of Transportation bicycle and pedestrian coordinators.
(FHWA, NHTSA)
3. Investigate the development of a core bicycle and pedestrian
curriculum for inclusion in transportation engineering courses
at the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels.
(FHWA).
4. Investigate development of a training course on bicyclist and
pedestrian facility planning and design. (FHWA)
5. Provide training for local transit officials on designing bicyclist-friendly
parking facilities, on-vehicle carriage programs, interfaces for
bicyclists and pedestrians with transit, and access features approaching
and at transit centers. (FTA, FHWA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 4
1. Refine and continue providing training for transportation
officials in field, State, MPO, and local offices on bicycle and
pedestrian accommodations and safety. (FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Delivered 40 Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Accommodation
courses through NHI (1996-1998)
* Initiated development of a bicycle facility design course through
the National Highway Institute (1999.)
2. Provide training opportunities and technical assistance to
State Department of Transportation bicycle and pedestrian coordinators.
(FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Organized 6 annual meetings of the State bicycle and pedestrian
coordinators
* Provided a detailed package of current training opportunities
at most recent annual meeting (Sept. 1998)
* Promoted all NHI bicycle and pedestrian courses through the
State DOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinators
* Facilitated a bi-monthly conference call of the State bicycle
and pedestrian coordinators
3. Investigate the development of a core bicycle and pedestrian
curriculum for inclusion in transportation engineering courses
at the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels.
(FHWA).
Actions: USDOT has
* Developed a modular, graduate level bicycle and pedestrian
curriculum for inclusion in engineering and planning curriculum
(1999). This can also be used as part of undergraduate and continuing
education courses.
4. Investigate development of a training course on bicyclist
and pedestrian facility planning and design. (FHWA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Begun work through NHI to develop a bicycle facility design
training course (1999).
* Offered a three-day Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Accommodation
course through NHI that includes a substantial amount of facility
planning and design information.
USDOT still needs to:
* Develop and deliver a pedestrian facility design course.
* Develop and deliver an ADA implementation design course.
* Develop and deliver a course or course materials on pedestrian
crossings at railway-highway intersections.
5. Provide training for local transit officials on designing
bicyclist-friendly parking facilities, on-vehicle carriage programs,
interfaces for bicyclists and pedestrians with transit, and access
features approaching and at transit centers. (FTA, FHWA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Integrate bicycle and pedestrian integration into American
Public Transit Association (APTA) and FTA courses, resources and
materials.
* Complete and publish the results of an FRA study into the feasibility
of rails-with-trails facilities and their linkage to transit services.
Action Item 5
Conduct promotional and awareness activities, both to increase
the level of bicycling and walking for all trip purposes and to
legitimize these travel modes within the transportation system.
1. Coordinate activities of the USDOT with other Federal agencies.
Convene regular meetings of representatives of the Federal agencies
involved in bicycling and pedestrian issues to develop new programs
and to exchange information. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
2. Include specific promotional references to bicycling and walking
in speeches, policy documents and regulations, press releases,
news articles and other information released to the public. Actively
promote and sponsor events such as National Bicycle Month and
bicycle and pedestrian conferences. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
3. Conduct briefings for field, State, MPO and local offices on
bicycle and pedestrian program issues. Conduct site visits of
exemplary programs and pass on information to other localities.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
4. Encourage and coordinate activities to measure the amount of
bicycling and walking in the United States and ensure this data
is compatible with crash/accident data. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
5. Develop and provide information to transit providers and to
potential and actual transit users on multimodal trips including
bicycling and walking. (FTA)
6. Implement a national campaign to promote increased and safer
use of bicycling and walking. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 5
1. Coordinate activities of the USDOT with other Federal agencies.
Convene regular meetings of representatives of the Federal agencies
involved in bicycling and pedestrian issues to develop new programs
and to exchange information. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Initiated monthly meetings of DOT staff involved in bicycle
and pedestrian issues.
* Established a Charter Group on Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
to coordinate and elevate the importance of these issues within
NHTSA and FHWA.
* Convened quarterly meetings of a new Interagency Task Force
on Bicycling and Walking that has included participation from
GSA, EPA, CDC, DOT, DOI, USDA, the Presidents Council on Physical
Fitness and Sports, DOD, and local bicycle interest groups.
* Created a Task Force on Rails-with-Trails to coordinate the
response and role of FHWA, NHTSA, FRA, OST, and FTA on this emerging
issue.
* Co-chaired the National Bicycle Safety Network, a public-private
partnership to promote safe bicycling with partners such as the
League of American Bicyclists, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, and Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
* Participated in the Interagency Trails Council meetings hosted
by DOI/NPS.
* Developed the Millennium Trails Initiative in partnership with
the White House Millenium Council.
* Worked with the U.S. Access Board on sidewalk accessibility
and the accessibility of outdoor developed areas.
2. Include specific promotional references to bicycling and
walking in speeches, policy documents and regulations, press releases,
news articles and other information released to the public. Actively
promote and sponsor events such as National Bicycle Month and
bicycle and pedestrian conferences. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Sponsored and supported a wide range of national, State and
local bicycle and pedestrian conferences including Pro Bike /
Pro Walk (1994, 1996, 1998), National Trails Symposium (1994,
1996, 1998), National Rails to Trails Conference (1995), First
International Trails and Greenways Conference (1998), LifeSavers
(1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998), National Pedestrian Conference
(1997), Moving Kids Safely (1996, 1997), National Trails Day (1998,
1999), International Conference on Injury Prevention and Control
(1996, 1998), Safety Integration Conference (1999)
* Supported the annual Washington, DC Bike to Work Day.
* Supported the first Earth Force Youth Summit scheduled on May
5, 1999.
* Supported the National Walk Our Children to School Day (1998,
1999).
* Established the Millennium Trails Program to integrate bicycling
and walking into the White House Millennium initiative, including
a launch by the First Lady on Oct. 5, 1998.
* Written a guest editorial on bicycling issues for Bicycling
Magazine, due for publication in the June 1999 issue.
USDOT still needs to:
* Integrate bicycling and walking into USDOT presentations at
mainstream transportation conferences such as AASHTO, TRB, ITE,
APA, ASCE, APTA, and Railvolution.
* Include references to bicycling and walking in speeches, presentations
and other activities that are not just addressed to the bicycling
and walking community, but also to the construction, traffic engineering,
motor vehicle, trucking, and planning audiences.
3. Conduct briefings for field, State, MPO and local offices
on bicycle and pedestrian program issues. Conduct site visits
of exemplary programs and pass on information found to other localities.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published Improving Conditions for Bicycling and Walking:
A Best Practices Report which captures and disseminates success
stories from more than 20 cities and States. (1998)
* Published Bicycling and Walking in the Nineties and Beyond:
Applying Scandinavian Experience to America's Challenges. (1995)
* Published FHWA Study Tour for Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
in England, Germany and The Netherlands. (1995)
* Included in its on-going research program studies of innovative
bicycle facilities and pedestrian applications for ITS technologies.
These are expected to be published in 1999.
4. Encourage and coordinate activities to measure the amount
of bicycling and walking in the United States and ensure this
data is compatible with crash/accident data. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA,
FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published A Compendium of Available Bicycle and Pedestrian
Trip Generation Data in the United States (1994).
* Organized and published the results of a Bicycle/Pedestrian
Trip Generation Workshop (1996-1998).
* Disseminated model surveys for local and State agencies to use
in determining local levels of bicycle use (1995).
* Recently awarded a contract through Bureau of Transportation
Statistics to research available bicycle and pedestrian data (1999).
* Developed a nationwide telephone survey on Public Beliefs about
Pedestrian and Bicyclce Safety and Accommodations, to be carried
out in 1999.
USDOT still needs to:
* Establish a reliable method by which to calculate and track
the level of use of bicycles and walking.
* Continue studying ways in which to develop a complete picture
of bicycle and pedestrian crashes and their causes.
5. Develop and provide information to transit providers and
to potential and actual transit users on multimodal trips including
bicycling and walking. (FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published Bicycling and Transit: A Partnership that Works
(1998)
* Published Improving Pedestrian Access to Transit: An Advocacy
Manual. (1998)
* Studied methods of forecasting nonmotorized trip patterns, including
where the two modes are integrated with transit, and prepared
a report for publication in 1999.
6. Implement a national campaign to promote increased and safer
use of bicycling and walking. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Founded and actively supported the Partnership for a Walkable
America (PWA).
* Supported the National Walk Our Child to School Day.
* Sponsored National Trails Day in 1998 and 1999.
* Developed the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow for community leaders.
USDOT still needs to:
* Explore support for a bicycle equivalent of the PWA.
* Champion the cause of bicycling and walking beyond a bicycle
and pedestrian audience and ensure that the two modes become a
real part of the national dialog on transportation safety and
the future of our transportation infrastructure.
Action Item 6
Carry out activities that increase the safety of bicycling and
walking.
1. Encourage the collection of data for evaluating the effectiveness
of bicycle and pedestrian safety programs. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA,
FTA)
2. Promote and disseminate the results of Section 402 bicycle
and pedestrian safety programs. (FHWA, NHTSA)
3. Develop a data collection methodology for bicyclist and pedestrian
use estimates and for exposure measures in crash/accident rate
calculations. (FHWA, NHTSA)
4. Encourage and actively promote helmet use among bicyclists
of all ages. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
5. Investigate bicyclist and pedestrian crashes which do not involve
motor vehicles and those which occur off the roadway.
6. Widely promote the use of Walk Alert and other pedestrian safety
program materials. (FHWA, NHTSA)
7. Cooperate with other agencies and organizations to develop
and promote a Bicycle Safety Program for use at the local level.
8. Collect crash/accident data involving pedestrians, bicyclists,
and transit vehicles, develop countermeasures for these crashes/accidents
and test these countermeasures. (FTA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 6
1. Encourage the collection of data for evaluating the effectiveness
of bicycle and pedestrian safety programs. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA,
FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Developed the Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT)
software.
* Initiated study of pedestrian safety countermeasures in a large
urban area (Miami) to determine their impact (1998).
* Published a Bicycle Safety-related Research Synthesis (1995).
* Evaluated the Pedestrian Safety Roadshows and Facilitator Training
courses to determine their effectiveness and the need for additional
follow-up and assistance to communities who have had the Roadshow.
USDOT still needs to:
* Develop an outreach program to promote the benefits of different
pedestrian countermeasures as cost-effective solutions to pedestrian
crash problems.
2. Promote and disseminate the results of Section 402 bicycle
and pedestrian safety programs. (FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published Traffic Safety Digest: A Compendium of Innovative
State and Local Traffic Safety Projects which includes descriptions
of pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives.
* Published the Safety Countermeasures newsletter and a series
of Traffic Tech Notes that highlight successful and interesting
projects funded with Section 402 money.
3. Develop a data collection methodology for bicyclist and pedestrian
use estimates and for exposure measures in crash/accident rate
calculations. (FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Created and disseminated a Model Use Survey and included crash
and use data collection activities as an element of various on-going
research projects.
* Commissioned research through BTS to study current data collection
techniques.
USDOT still needs to:
* Complete this task.
* Collect and analyze data related to pedestrian crossings of
railroad lines and trespasser activity on railroad corridors.
4. Encourage and actively promote helmet use among bicyclists
of all ages. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Co-chaired the National Bicycle Safety Network
* Organized the Ride Like A Pro bicycle helmet safety event in
conjunction with the National Football League and the Super Bowl
(1995-1999)
* Published a range of materials on bicycle helmets including
o What's New About Bicycle Helmets, flyer
o Use Your Head Before You Buy a Bicycle Helmet, poster and flyer
o Be Head Smart, brochure.
* Provided bicycle helmet demonstrations at the DOT's 30th Anniversary
Celebration, to Garrett Morgan Youth, and at local schools.
* Presented a Helmet Initiatives workshop at the International
Injury Conference (1998, 1999)
1. Investigate bicyclist and pedestrian crashes which do not
involve motor vehicles and those which occur off the roadway.
Actions: USDOT has
* Completed Development of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Injury Databases
to Study Non-roadway and Non-motor vehicle Injury Events to address
this issue. (1999)
6. Widely promote the use of Walk Alert and other pedestrian
safety program materials. (FHWA, NHTSA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Developed the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow which has been delivered
in more than 50 communities, and trained 155 Roadshow trainers.
The Roadshow is seen as a necessary precursor to the implementation
of a Walk Alert-type pedestrian safety program.
* Developed a Pedestrian Reference Set to provide follow-up materials
to communities who have had, or are organizing, a Pedestrian Safety
Roadshow.
* Supported National Walk Our Children to School Day. (Ongoing)
* Developed a Pedestrian Safety Toolkit as a resource for local
pedestrian safety coordinators and advocates (1999).
* Produced brochures on Pedestrian Safety for School Age Children;
Crossing Advice for Pedestrians; The Signs of Safety are Everywhere;
and Don't have a Blind Spot When it Comes to Walking Safely Near
Large Trucks and Buses.
* Produced a quarterly newsletter to inform USDOT field staff
and others about pedestrian funding issues, research reports,
success stories, legislation, and other updates.
7. Cooperate with other agencies and organizations to develop
and promote a Bicycle Safety Program for use at the local level.
Actions: USDOT has
* Initiated development of a National Bicycle Safety Education
Curriculum which will result in as assemblage of available education
courses for all age groups.
* Commissioned a compilation of bicycle safety literature, programs,
resources etc. with the goal of providing a World Wide Web based
resource that can identify education program for any age, any
problem, variety of media.
* Worked with Earth Force and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention to host a Youth Safety Summit to showcase innovative
youth projects that promote bicycling and bicycle safety (1999).
* Developed the Ride Like a Pro Community Handbook to enable communities
to host their own bicycle safety events.
8. Collect crash/accident data involving pedestrians, bicyclists,
and transit vehicles, develop countermeasures for these crashes/accidents
and test these countermeasures. (FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Initiated a task force and commissioned research to address
rails-with-trails issues, one element of this overall action item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Complete this action item.
Action Item 7
Provide outreach to other government agencies and develop new
public/private partnerships to safely increase bicycling and walking
usage levels.
1. Initiate contact with other Federal agencies to learn of
their efforts relating to bicycling and walking both from a programmatic
and from administrative aspects. Work with these agencies to use
their resources to promote bicycling and walking, and to integrate
consideration of bicycling and walking into their policies and
programs where appropriate. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
2. Initiate contact, respond to inquiries, and work cooperatively
with public and private organizations committed to promoting bicycling
and walking and their safety. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
3. Provide technical information, present briefings, or conduct
workshops and conferences as appropriate. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
4. Conduct a workshop to investigate the role of the transit industry
in bicycle systems and services. (FTA)
5. Monitor and publicize ongoing projects to show the role of
local transit agencies, MPOs, and other local organizations in
developing and managing a comprehensive bicycle commuting system.
(FTA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 7.
1. Initiate contact with other Federal agencies to learn of
their efforts relating to bicycling and walking both from a programmatic
and from administrative aspects. Work with these agencies to use
their resources to promote bicycling and walking, and to integrate
consideration of bicycling and walking into their policies and
programs where appropriate. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Established and maintained the Interagency Task Force on Bicycling
and Walking.
* Participated in Interagency Trails Council meetings.
* Served on the Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Outdoor Recreation
Facilities in cooperation with the U.S. Access Board and numerous
public and private groups.
* Co-chaired the National Bicycle Safety Network.
* Been a founding member of Partnership for a Walkable America.
* Hosted two workshops on Rails-with-Trails issues with the railroad
industry, safety groups, and trail advocates.
* Co-sponsored a conference with the Centers for Disease Control
to Prevent Pediatric Pedestrian Injuries.
* Delivered presentations to numerous conferences and meetings
of national associations and government agencies.
2. Initiate contact, respond to inquiries, and work cooperatively
with public and private organizations committed to promoting bicycling
and walking and their safety. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Supported the Partnership for a Walkable America.
* Published Improving Conditions for Bicycling and Walking: A
Best Practices Report with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle
Professionals and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (1998).
* Supported numerous conferences, workshops, and events organized
by public and private partners.
* Established the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse
with Bicycle Federation of America and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
(RTC) (1994-1998). In 1999, many of these functions and additional
responsibilities will be transfered to a new Bicycle and Pedestrian
Technical Information Center.
* Established the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
with RTC (1996-present).
3. Provide technical information, present briefings, or conduct
workshops and conferences as appropriate. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Presented bicycle and pedestrian information at numerous international,
national, State, and local conferences, meetings, and workshops.
* Briefed the USDOT Secretary, modal Administrators, and members
of Congress on bicycle and pedestrian issues.
4. Conduct a workshop to investigate the role of the transit
industry in bicycle systems and services. (FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Complete this action item
5. Monitor and publicize ongoing projects to show the role of
local transit agencies, MPOs, and other local organizations in
developing and managing a comprehensive bicycle commuting system.
(FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Complete this action item.
Action Item 8
Conduct research and develop effective methods of technology
transfer.
1. Coordinate Federal research activities both within and outside
of the USDOT and make recommendations for studies as appropriate.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
2. Continue research activities relating to the safety of bicycling
and walking. (FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
3. Conduct research into promoting the use of bicycling and walking,
and measuring the effectiveness of such programs. (FHWA, NHTSA,
FTA)
4. Actively investigate existing technology transfer activities
(such as the FHWA Local Technical Assistance Program, National
Highway Institute, FHWA Office of Technology Applications, and
the NHTSA Regional Operations Program) and utilize them where
appropriate. Where needed, develop new technology transfer activities.
5. Conduct a workshop to investigate the shortcomings of traditional
technology transfer activities relating to bicyclists and pedestrians.
Develop solutions and recommend their implementation in the DOT
agencies. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
6. Identify means and provide resources to translate appropriate
research and other bicyclist/pedestrian literature from foreign
language sources. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
7. Investigate the quantification of the projected reductions
in emissions as a result of provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians
in air quality nonattainment areas. (OST, FHWA)
8. Establish a national nonmotorized transportation center and
clearinghouse. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
9. Conduct research on patronage estimation and mode split modeling
for bicycle and pedestrian services and facilities. (FTA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 8
1. Coordinate Federal research activities both within and outside
of the USDOT and make recommendations for studies as appropriate.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Completed a 5-year Bicycle and Pedestrian Research Program
featuring 16 major areas of research. A complete description of
the research projects was included as an appendix in the five
year progress report.
* Developed an annual list of research priorities within FHWA
* Served as a co-chair of the TRB Committee on Bicycling Research
Needs Sub-committee to develop research problem statements; had
numerous staff serving on the TRB Bicycling and Pedestrian committees.
* Established a Research Committee of the Interagency Task Force
on Bicycling and Walking (1999)
USDOT still needs to:
* Participate in the development of a coordinated national research
agenda to address critical bicycle and pedestrian research needs.
2. Continue research activities relating to the safety of bicycling
and walking. (FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Completed tasks under the research project above.
* Initiated a major research study of pedestrian safety countermeasures
in a large urban area (1998).
* Begun investigating a three year research study of trail/roadway
intersections.
* Initiated research on bicycle conspicuity.
* Initiated a literature review on Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian
Injuries.
* Undertaken the development, implementation and evaluation of
a countermeasures program for impaired pedestrians.
* Initiated research into the feasibility of rails-with-trail
projects.
* Tested and developed the "Zone Approach" to targeting
pedestrian safety improvements.
USDOT still needs to:
* Identify more research funding within the Department to meet
the on-going research needs in the bicycle and pedestrian area.
3. Conduct research into promoting the use of bicycling and
walking, and measuring the effectiveness of such programs. (FHWA,
NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Complete this action item.
4. Actively investigate existing technology transfer activities
(such as the FHWA Local Technical Assistance Program, National
Highway Institute, FHWA Office of Technology Applications, and
the NHTSA Regional Operations Program) and utilize them where
appropriate. Where needed, develop new technology transfer activities.
Actions: USDOT has
* The National Highway Institute (NHI) has worked with FHWA
and NHTSA to develop bicycle and pedestrian courses and to review
bicycle and pedestrian research products.
* The Office of Technology Applications (since renamed the Office
of Technology Evaluation and Deployment) has trained more than
150 instructors for the Pedestrian Safety Roadshows, created the
Pedestrian Reference Set, and has worked collaboratively with
FHWA and NHTSA to promote and use a variety of bicycle and pedestrian
products.
* FHWA's International Technology Scanning Program has sponsored
two study tours and published two reports on European initiatives
to improve bicycle and pedestrian use and safety.
* All agencies have started taking full advantage of the World
Wide Web to make information widely available.
5. Conduct a workshop to investigate the shortcomings of traditional
technology transfer activities relating to bicyclists and pedestrians.
Develop solutions and recommend their implementation in the DOT
agencies. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* The technology transfer element of the multi-year Pedestrian
and Bicycle Safety Research project included two workshops to
gather public input into the appropriate technology and content
to provide.
* The World Wide Web site proposed as a result of these meetings
and research activities is under development and should be available
in October 1999.
6. Identify means and provide resources to translate appropriate
research and other bicyclist/pedestrian literature from foreign
language sources. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Provided access to international research and experience that
would not otherwise have been available through a Scanning Tour
of European countries (1994-1995).
* Commissioned research summaries from six countries as part of
an investigation of innovative bicycle facility treatments (1995).
* Commissioned research summaries from five countries as part
of an investigation of innovative pedestrian facility treatments
(1997).
USDOT still needs to:
* Identify a mechanism to translate key documents from languages
such as German, Danish, Japanese and Dutch into English.
7. Investigate the quantification of the projected reductions
in emissions as a result of provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians
in air quality nonattainment areas. (OST, FHWA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Complete this research.
8. Establish a national nonmotorized transportation center and
clearinghouse. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Established the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse
in 1994. The NBPC developed a series of fact sheets and disseminated
thousands of USDOT publications. FHWA support for the Clearinghouse
ceased in 1998.
* Reviewed applications for the TEA-21-mandated Bicycle and Pedestrian
Safety Grant to establish a Technical Information Center, develop
and disseminate bicycle and pedestrian materials, techniques and
strategies. The contract will be awarded in the Spring of 1999.
* Established the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
in 1996.
9. Conduct research on patronage estimation and mode split modeling
for bicycle and pedestrian services and facilities. (FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Not acted on this item.
USDOT still needs to:
* Complete this research.
Action Item 9
Serve as positive national presence and role model.
1. Offer and provide technical information within the agencies
of the USDOT, their field offices, and outside the agency as appropriate.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
2. Encourage the use of bicycling and walking as agency policy.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
3. Present bicycling and walking as legitimate transportation
options in speeches and other public communications. (OST, FHWA,
NHTSA, FTA)
4. Participate in national and regional conferences to promote
bicycling and walking. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
5. Assimilate examples of successful projects and promotion programs
for distribution. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
USDOT Response to Action Item 9.
1. Offer and provide technical information within the agencies
of the USDOT, their field offices, and outside the agency as appropriate.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Undertaken a wide variety of activities both internally and
externally to offer and provide technical information on bicycle
and pedestrian issues. These actions are detailed throughout the
response to the preceding eight action items.
1. Encourage the use of bicycling and walking as agency policy.
(OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Actively participated in the annual bike to work event in
Washington, DC.
* Drafted an Executive Order on Managing Federal Workforce Transportation
that encourages employees and visitors to walk and bicycle as
a means of commuting.
USDOT still needs to:
* Ensure the planning, design and operation of DOT buildings
and facilities (including any new headquarters building) provides
access for people with disabilities; promotes bicycling and walking
by employees, contractors and visitors; and contributes to the
livability of the surrounding community.
3. Present bicycling and walking as legitimate transportation
options in speeches and other public communications. (OST, FHWA,
NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Included bicycling and walking in speeches of senior administration
officials (Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Associate Deputy Secretary,
Modal Administrators) at conferences and meetings on bicycle and
pedestrian related topics.
* Developed display materials and events (e.g. Walk Our Children
to School Week) that represent bicycling and walking as legitimate
transportation modes.
4. Participate in national and regional conferences to promote
bicycling and walking. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Supported a wide range of national, State and regional conferences
with sponsorship, promotion, and speakers. These have included
bicycle and pedestrian conferences, trail and greenway conferences
and symposia, transportation safety conferences, and bicycle and
pedestrian tracks within other national conferences.
5. Assimilate examples of successful projects and promotion
programs for distribution. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)
Actions: USDOT has
* Published Improving Conditions for Bicycling and Walking:
A Best Practices Report. 1998.
* The 1998 Excellence in Highway Design awards recognized a number
of bicycle and pedestrian related projects including the Historic
Columbia River Highway State Trail (OR), the Pen Yan Main Street
Bridge (NY), the Grasshopper bridge (AZ) and the Assateague Island
Pedestrian bridge (MD).
* Published More than Asphalt, Concrete and Steel, a report which
recognizes bicycle and pedestrian improvements in Port of Kalama,
WA; Puerto Rico; and Chicago, IL.
* Distributed Traffic Safety Digest: A Compendium of Innovative
Sate and Local Traffic Safety Programs.
* Initiated a Compendium of Research in Pedestrian and Bicycle
Safety (1999).