The Federal Action Plan

Action Item 1
Provide technical guidance in the interpretation of national transportation legislation and distribute other technical information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Action Item 6
Carry out activities that increase the safety of bicycling and walking.

Action Item 7
Provide outreach to other government agencies and develop new public/private partnerships to safely increase bicycling and walking usage levels.

Action Item 8
Conduct research and develop effective methods of technology transfer.

Action Item 9
Serve as positive national presence and role model.

Provide technical guidance in the interpretation of national transportation legislation and distribute other technical information.

1. Develop guidance and regulations as required to implement the bicycle and pedestrian provisions of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), including information on funding sources, State and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) planning requirements, and the State department of transportation (DOT) bicycle and pedestrian coordinator positions (FHWA).

Note: The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) is the successor to ISTEA and was enacted on June 9, 1998 as Public Law 105-178.

Actions:

* Issued program guidance on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions of the Federal Transportation Program (www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/bp-broch.htm) which details all the major funding sources available for bicycle and pedestrian projects. (FHWA, 1999)
* Issued program guidance on the Transportation Enhancements Program (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/te/guidance.htm). (FHWA, 1999)
* Issued program guidance on the Recreational Trails Program (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/guidance.htm). (FHWA, 1999)
* Issued "Design Guidance" language as required in TEA-21 legislation. (FHWA, 2000)
* Developed and maintained websites for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, Transportation Enhancement Activities, and the Recreational Trails Program. (FHWA, 1999-2004)
* Funds and supports operation of National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (www.enhancements.org). (FHWA, 1999-2004)
* Delivered numerous presentations on bicycle and pedestrian-related provisions in Federal surface transportation laws to workshops, conferences, and other events over the past five years. (FHWA, NHTSA, BTS, FTA, FRA)

Action Needed:

* Update the 1992 guidance on the role and functions of the State bicycle and pedestrian coordinator position.
* Update 23 CFR Part 652-Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodations and Projects (the Code of Federal Regulations) to reflect the changes made by ISTEA and TEA-21. NOTE: An update of this section of Federal Regulations is planned after reauthorization of TEA-21 or passage of new surface transportation legislation.
* Provide more guidance to FHWA Division staff, States, MPOs, and Federal Lands Highway offices on ways to integrate bicycle and pedestrian programs within their existing activities.

2. Develop guidance as needed on the use of bicycle and pedestrian programs to meet the goals of the Clean Air Act Amendments. (OST, FHWA)

Actions:

* Included bicycle and pedestrian information in FHWA program guidance on the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program. (FHWA, 1999)
* Included case studies of bicycle and pedestrian projects in a variety of CMAQ publications including an interactive display unit featuring the CMAQ program. (FHWA)
* Issued guidance on quantifying the air quality and congestion relief impacts of investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and promotions. (FHWA)
* Established ongoing partnerships with local communities to boost alternative modes of transportation related to transit access. Partnerships include storage of bicycles in secure, indoor, and accessible facilities adjacent to public transit. Car sharing is also available at some partner sites. (FTA)

Action Needed:

* Develop and issue explicit guidance on the use of bicycle and pedestrian programs to meet the goals of the Clean Air Act Amendments.
* Continue providing technical assistance and case studies to assist in quantifying the air quality and congestion relief impacts of investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and promotions.

3. Distribute the findings of the National Bicycling and Walking Study and develop an implementation plan for carrying out the Federal action items. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Distributed approximately 25,000 copies of the NBWS Final Report, 10,000 copies of the Executive Summary, and more than 15,000 copies of the 24 case studies since original publication. (FHWA, NHTSA)
* Issued a Five Year Progress Report. (FHWA, 1999)

Action Needed:

* Develop an implementation plan for carrying out all applicable Federal action items.
* Develop and make available on applicable websites digital copies of the National Bicycling and Walking Study and all 24 case studies.
* Update ten-year old plan elements of National Bicycling and Walking Study.

4. Develop and distribute a brochure describing and promoting opportunities in the FTA program for bicycle and pedestrian projects. (FTA)

Actions:

* Published and distributed Bicycles and Transit brochure, describing how transit agencies are strengthening the connections between bicycles and transit and how Federal transportation programs may be used to support more of these efforts. (FTA, 2000)

Action Needed:

* Implement an outreach program to transit operators to assist them in developing bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly policies, projects, and programs. (FTA)
* Pursue the development of a brochure highlighting successful projects that safely combine bicycle (and pedestrian) travel with railroad use. (FRA)

5. Assimilate other technical information and distribute it as appropriate. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Published a wide variety of reports and other resources based on FHWA and NHTSA research, State and local best practices, and international experience. (FHWA, NHTSA)

* Published Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, a two-part resource manual detailing how State and local agencies develop sidewalks and trails to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Part 1 was a review of existing guidelines and practices; Part 2 is a best practices guide. (FHWA, part 1 - 1999; part 2 - 2001)

* 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. (FHWA)

* Worked in partnership with the Consumer Product Safety Council to publicize new bicycle helmet standards. (NHTSA, 1999)

* Released annual traffic safety reports, including Traffic Safety Facts for "Pedalcyclists," and "Pedestrians." (NHTSA)

* Developed the National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety, an agenda including a three to five-year plan, in partnership of USDOT (NHTSA and FHWA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control). Wide dissemination of the product was accomplished through all partners including nonprofit, university settings, research groups, and national groups such as Safe Kids, etc. (NHTSA, FHWA)

* Provided Federal funds in 2002 and 2004 to support the National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety. The grants include programs to educate various population groups regarding road safety and laws related to bicycling. Programs include education of law enforcement officers, middle school children, college staff and students, and employees at the worksite. Greater emphasis in 2004 will be on high risk or underserved populations and education of motorists regarding sharing the road. (NHTSA)

* Developed National Strategies for Advancing Child Pedestrian Safety, a joint effort between NHTSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and promote effective solutions to child pedestrian safety problems. (NHTSA, FHWA)

Action Needed:

* Maintain current level of activities.

6. Conduct briefings for field, State and local offices on bicycle and pedestrian program issues. (FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Made presentations on bicycle and pedestrian program issues in many States and USDOT field offices including AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, ME, NY, OR, RI, SC, TX, WA. (FHWA, NHTSA)

* Organized annual meetings of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators, to which FHWA and NHTSA headquarters and field staff are invited. Recently developed material and policy guidance is distributed at these meetings. (FHWA, 1999-2003)

* Initiated a series of State-level meetings between all those involved in implementing bicycle and pedestrian projects through Federal surface transportation legislation (including FHWA Division Offices, Governors Highway Safety Representatives, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators, Transportation Enhancement Coordinators, advocacy groups, and others). (FHWA)

Action Needed:

* 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. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Made a wide array of publications and other resources available to a diverse and growing number of national organizations. (1999-2004) Notable activities include:

o Provided national funding summaries, technical documents, and policy papers to groups such as the League of American Bicyclists, the National Center for Bicycling and Walking, and America Walks. (FHWA, NHTSA)

o Following release of Bicycle and Pedestrian Data: Sources, Needs, & Gaps (BTS, 2000), worked with national pedestrian and bicycling groups to refine questionnaire development of 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, and distributed initial Highlights Report. (BTS, NHTSA, 2003)

o Created, modified, and distributed Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT) software to assist State and local government record keeping and problem identification. (FHWA, 1999-2004)

o Disseminated a report on pedestrian travel, Omnistats: Pedestrian Travel During 2002 (BTS, 2003)

o Disseminated a report on bicycle use, Omnistats: Bicycle Use Among Adult US Residents (BTS, 2002)

o Disseminated a report with bicycle and pedestrian trip information, NHTS 2001 Highlights Report (BTS, 2003)

o Disseminated a report having information on biking and walking of disabled and non-disabled persons, Freedom to Travel (BTS, 2003)

o Developed a series of Spanish-language materials to address older adult and child pedestrian safety issues. (FHWA, NHTSA, 1999-2003)

o Published national newsletter on transit connected mobility options with focus on pedestrian and bicycle connections to transit. This publication, the Mobility Connection, on a bi-monthly basis explores a wide array of new approaches to providing affordable, personal mobility options connected to train and bus stations. (FTA, 2003)

* Facilitated distribution of materials to national organizations through support of national conferences including Transportation Research Board, National Bike Summit, National Pedestrian Congress, and others. (FHWA, NHTSA, 1999-2004)

* Established a Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Clearinghouse, in accordance with TEA-21, to provide technical assistance on bicycle and pedestrian issues to national organizations and make information available to all interested parties. (FHWA, NHTSA)

* Developed extensive educational and informational materials and community assessment tools to support and advance pedestrian and bicycle safety, and distributed 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 numerous others. (NHTSA)

Actions Needed:

* Maintain current level of activities.

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)

Actions:

* Developed proposed legislation continuing major funding programs and eligibility for Pedestrian and Bicycle programs, Transportation Enhancements, Recreational Trails, and Federal Lands Highway programs for surface transportation program reauthorization, and fully integrated these elements into the SAFETEA proposal. (FHWA, 2003-2004)

* Included in the FHWA Strategic Plan that the FHWA 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 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..."

* Issued FHWA program guidance to implement the bicycle and pedestrian provisions of Federal surface transportation legislation. (FHWA, 1999)

* Issued FHWA Design Guidance language that called on transportation decision makers to routinely include provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians unless exceptional circumstances were present. (FHWA, 2000)

* Constructed a transportation database for all modes (required in TEA-21, see 49 U.S.C. 111(d)). Called "TranStats" (www.transtats.bts.gov), it makes bicycle and pedestrian data available on volume and patterns of movement. To date, TranStats contains six databases related to biking and walking. (BTS)

* Included in the NHTSA 1998 strategic plan is a specific goal of reducing pedestrian fatality and injury rates. Established goal to reduce pedestrian fatality rates to 2.0 and the injury rate to 30.6 per 100,000 people by 2000. By 2002, the pedestrian fatality rate had fallen to 1.67 and the injury rate was down to 25 per 100,000. NHTSA continues to include goals to reduce pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in its annual performance plan; for FY05, the goal is to reduce all non-occupant fatalities to 0.16 per million miles of vehicle miles traveled. (NHTSA)

* Participated in USDOT Secretary's Disability Law Coordinating Council to ensure nondiscrimination in FHWA activities and products having implications for pedestrian travel. (FHWA)

* Integrate pedestrian and bicycle issues of planning, design, and operation into all programs, documents, manuals, and guidance that affect bicycling or walking.

* Build expertise in various program areas that are responsible for overseeing the design, planning, and operation of facilities or programs that influence pedestrian and bicycle travel.

* Increase bicycle and pedestrian consideration in core internal planning and operations documents such as the USDOT Strategic Plan and the modal administrations' performance measure plans.

* The current USDOT Strategic Plan includes specific mention of building expertise in bicycle and pedestrian issues and reference to protecting pedestrians near roads.

* The current NHTSA 2020 Report strategic plan includes pedestrian issues as they relate to the aging population and bicycling issues in the context of increasing helmet use.

* Maintain and 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:

* Distributed two Guidance documents and a series of memoranda that highlight the agency's commitment to bicycle and pedestrian issues in response to legislative changes in TEA-21. Maintain regular communications about bicycle and pedestrian policies and procedures with field offices through phone conferences, electronic newsletters, email lists, and meetings at conferences. (FHWA, 1999-2004)

* Regularly distribute updated policies to Regional Offices via intranet system. (NHTSA, 1999-2004)

* Preparing to update policies and procedures in response to expected passage and enactment of surface transportation reauthorization legislation. (FHWA, NHTSA, FTA, 2004)

* 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 and regional offices.

3. Coordinate bicycle and pedestrian efforts with the Office of Intermodalism and with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Developed Bicycle and Pedestrian Data: Sources, Gaps, and Needs, to identify existing data environment and develop strategy for increased collection of data. (BTS, 2000)

* Conducted the 2001 National Household Transportation Survey, which collected bicycle and pedestrian trip information. The two agencies are continuing collaboration on data analysis and release. (FHWA, BTS, 2001-2004)

* Conducted the 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, which focused on bicycle and pedestrian trip level data. An initial Highlights Report was released in 2003. The two agencies are continuing collaboration on data analysis and release. (NHTSA, BTS, 2002-2004)

* Developed the Millennium Trails Initiative and continues to work closely with the Office of Intermodalism on incorporation of bicycle and pedestrian needs into policy. (OST, FHWA)

Actions Needed:

* Continue to develop and advance data collection efforts to respond to BTS Bicycle and Pedestrian Data: Sources, Gaps, and Needs report. FHWA and NHTSA should continue to participate in data collection and analysis efforts, to further increase understanding, effective application, and distribution of results.

4. Encourage AASHTO to incorporate appropriate criteria for accommodation of bicyclists and pedestrians into their design, construction policies, standards and guides. (FHWA)

Actions:

* Worked with AASHTO's Technical Committee on Geometric Design to incorporate appropriate information in their documents. (FHWA, 1999-2004)

* Supported AASHTO preparation and publication of the Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities in 1999. Copies of the document were provided to Division Offices by memorandum dated Aug. 4, 1999. The design information balances the needs of all highway users, and encourages the consideration of bicycling in all phases of transportation. The Guide states "All highways except those where cyclists are legally prohibited, should be designed and constructed under the assumption that they will be used by cyclists." (FHWA, 1999)

* A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 2001 contains additional information pertaining to considering the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists in appropriate locations when designing a road. FHWA has adopted the Policy as the minimum criteria for projects on the National Highway System. (FHWA, 2001)

* Supporting AASHTO development and publication of the Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities. This document was extensively coordinated with the pedestrian community during development. The AASHTO Standing Committee on Highways approved the guide in April 2004. It will be published in Summer 2004, and FHWA will then incorporate it into our recommended design practices. (FHWA, 2003-2004)

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)

Actions:

* Worked closely with the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Task Force on Bicycling on revisions to Part IX of the MUTCD. (FHWA)

* Revisions and additions were made to the new 2003 MUTCD, which was published in November 2003, on traffic control devices for pedestrians and bicyclists. (FHWA)
* Contributed articles to ITE Journal about innovative traffic control devices. (FHWA, 2002)

* Worked closely with the US Access Board to include traffic control devices in the MUTCD that meet the needs of persons with disabilities such as accessible pedestrian signals and longitudinal barriers for alternate pedestrian paths in and around work zones (FHWA)

* Completed a series of technical reports to update Highway Capacity Manual chapters related to pedestrians and bicyclists: (FHWA, 2003)

o Recommended Procedures for the "Signalized Intersections" Chapter of the Highway Capacity Manual;

o Recommended Procedures for the "Pedestrians" Chapter of the Highway Capacity Manual; and

o Recommended Procedures for the "Bicycles" Chapter of the Highway Capacity Manual.

* Include more pedestrian and bicycle-related innovative traffic control devices in the MUTCD, including:

o Develop a brochure outlining the MUTCD experimentation and rulemaking processes, and

o Ensure bicyclist and pedestrian interests are considered in all 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:

* Delivered more than 40 Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Accommodations courses through the National Highway Institute - the course includes extensive coverage of design and planning issues. (FHWA, NHTSA)

* The Design Guidance language issued in February 2000 calls for the routine inclusion of bicyclists and pedestrians in planning and design in State and local processes. (FHWA, 2000)

* Developed two-part publication with material on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Designing Trails for Access includes material about best practices and practical application of accessible sidewalks, trails, and multi-use paths in accordance with ADA requirements. (FHWA)

* Presented Americans with Disabilities Act facilities planning and design best practices Train-the-Trainer Course to over 35 instructors who will be available as experts and instructors for local communities on planning and designing ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities. (FHWA, 2004)

* Published Implementing Pedestrian Improvements at the Local Level. (1999) A companion publication, Implementing Bicycle Improvements at the Local Level, was published in 1998. (FHWA, 1999)

* Developing, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a Safe Routes to School course for delivery to communities seeking to improve conditions and safety issues around schools. The course includes extensive materials relating to planning and design of pedestrian and bicycle facilities. It will be completed in mid-2004 and delivery will start in late 2004. (NHTSA, FHWA, 2003-2004)

* Participates in US Access Board's rulemaking for updating the national design standards for pedestrian travel in public rights-of-way. (FHWA, 2002-2004)

* Developed and delivered bicycle and pedestrian facility design courses. (FHWA)

* Develop and distribute self-evaluation tools that allow communities to evaluate their current effectiveness in incorporating bicycle and pedestrian needs in developing and planning new facilities. Such a tool will also be useful when developing local bicycle and pedestrian plans.

7. Encourage and publicize intermodal projects which include bicycle and/or pedestrian components. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Note: ISTEA and TEA-21 included a number of new policies that address this Federal Action Item. These include Transportation Enhancements, "Transit Enhancements" (described below), CMAQ, and giving States an increased range of options for applying Federal transportation funds.

Actions:

* Under the Transportation Enhancements Program, over 10,000 projects have been funded by DOT since 1992. Enhancements funds can be used for twelve eligible categories of activities, including pedestrian and bicycle projects that have a transportation element. Approximately 54 percent of these have had some bicycle- or pedestrian-related element. Over $422 million was obligated in 2003 to States for pedestrian or bicycle improvements. (FHWA)

* Makes grants following the Urbanized Area Formula (established in TEA-21) to urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 and greater. The grants are used to fund a "transit enhancements" program, similar to the Transportation Enhancements program administered by FHWA. Eligible projects must enhance mass transportation service, and may include pedestrian access and walkways; bicycle access, including bicycle storage facilities and installing equipment for transporting bicycles on mass transportation vehicles; and enhanced access to mass transportation for persons with disabilities. Over $6.8 million was obligated in FY2002 for improving bicycle and pedestrian access to transit under this program. (FTA)

* Publishes Mobility Connection, a national newsletter on transit connected mobility options. It explores a wide array of approaches to providing affordable, personal mobility options connected to train and bus stations, regularly including pedestrian and bicycle-related information. (FTA)

8. Encourage State safety offices to include consideration of bicyclists and pedestrians into their policies and procedures. (FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

* Encouraged State Highway Safety Offices to include programs to impact bicycle and pedestrian issues in their annual highway safety plans. (NHTSA)

* Conducts annual meetings with State bicycle pedestrian safety coordinators. (FHWA, NHTSA)

* Delivered electronic newsletter to field offices regarding pedestrian safety. (FHWA)

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)

Actions:

* Collection and evaluation of data is done by NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis. Fatalities are expressed via the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and injuries via the General Estimates System (GES). This data is collected and shared in a number of formats including: hard copies of area specific data- fact sheets, hard copy- one large report, and via the Internet on the agency website. (NHTSA)

* Funding a study including approximately 30 case studies of localities and States collecting bicycle and pedestrian use and facility extent data. The study is expected to be released in late 2004. (FHWA)

* Completed a report entitled Injuries to Pedestrians and Bicyclists: An Analysis Based on Hospital Emergency Department Data, which used available data to investigate all crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists regardless of motor vehicle involvement or whether the accident occurred on a public right-of-way. (FHWA)

* Made the Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT) available online. PBCAT is a software program allowing categorization of pedestrian and bicycle crashes into common behavioral classes or types. (FHWA)

* Prepared draft report entitled Characteristics of Emerging Road and Trail Users and Their Safety contains a section that evaluates different methods of collecting crash data. (FHWA)

* Conducting Pedestrian Deployment Projects in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Miami Dade. Final report will be available in 2007. (FHWA)

* Preparing to conduct review of collection of police data at crash sites as it relates to bicycle injuries and fatalities. (NHTSA)

* Developed countermeasures and implemented a research study in Phoenix, AZ leading to a thirteen percent overall reduction in crash involvement among older pedestrians and a forty-six percent reduction in targeted zones. (NHTSA)

* Developed countermeasures and implemented a research study in Baltimore, MD to reduce alcohol-related pedestrians crashes. (NHTSA)

Actions Needed:

* Continue with collection, analysis, and distribution of data relating to use, crash/accident rate, and compatibility/level-of-service data.

* Develop and distribute model predicting bicycle and pedestrian usage that can be applied at the local level for safety, engineering, and planning facilities and land use.
* Continue implementing results of Bicycle and Pedestrian Data: Sources, Gaps, and Needs (2000), which identified existing data environment and developed strategy for increased collection and analysis of data.
* Continue to develop countermeasures for increasing driver compliance rates, and reducing alcohol-related crashes among target groups. (NHTSA)

10. Develop prototype seating configurations and hardware to accommodate bicycles on commuter and intercity rail and bus lines. (FTA)

Note: Intercity rail lines are not an FTA responsibility.

Actions:

* U.S. DOT has not acted on this item.

Actions Needed:

* Promote the work of rail and transit providers to the broader rail and transit agencies.

11. Encourage liberalized policies by Amtrak for bicycle carriage on rail. (FTA)

Note: Intercity rail lines are not an FTA responsibility.

Actions:

* Participated with a number of partners on the Amtrak Bikes on Board Program. This effort resulted in a number of trains using part of baggage capacity for bicycle transport. (FHWA)

Actions Needed:

* Identify FRA as the appropriate agency through which to work cooperatively with the railroad industry and address the issues 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)

Actions:

* Appendix Three of this Ten Year Progress Report includes the first release of State-reported spending on pedestrian and bicycle facilities from 1999 to 2003. It also includes a table of overall Federal spending on bicycle and pedestrian facilities. (FHWA)

* Encouraged the use of Federal-aid funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs. Specifically, FHWA developed and distributed a funding brochure was developed and distributed to explain the TEA-21 legislation. FHWA publishes the amount of Federal-aid money spent annually at a national level on bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs. (FHWA)

* Provided Federal funds in 2002 and 2004 to support the National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety. The grants include programs to educate various population groups regarding road safety and laws related to bicycling. Programs include education of law enforcement officers, middle school children, college staff and students, and employees at the worksite. Greater emphasis in 2004 will be on high risk or underserved populations and education of motorists regarding sharing the road. (NHTSA)

* Provides bicycle and pedestrian program guidance and additional information in brochure and online formats (www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/). These information sources also point out that almost all major Federal-aid highway program funding categories may be used for projects that benefit bicyclist and pedestrians. (FHWA)

* Provides bicycle and pedestrian safety program guidance and additional information, including brochures, fact sheets, research studies, etc., that may be downloaded at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. (NHTSA)

* Federal-aid surface transportation funding obligations for bicycle and pedestrian projects are posted at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/bipedfund.htm. (FHWA)

* The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse has a database of TE projects at www.enhancements.org. (FHWA)

* The Recreational Trails Program project database is at www.funoutdoors.info/rtphome.html. (FHWA)

* Continue to promote States' use of Federal-aid transportation funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

* Improve the way in which the agency tracks expenditures on bicycle and pedestrian projects that are an incidental feature of larger projects. Encourage States to adopt a standardized reporting format for consistency in tracking actual monies spent on bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs.

* Encourage and assist States and MPOs in the speedier implementation of bicycle and pedestrian projects using Federal-aid funds.

2. Actively encourage Section 402 funding to be used on bicycle and pedestrian safety programs. (FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

* 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. (FHWA, NHTSA)

* Since 1997, over $78 million has been made available to States under Section 402 bicycle and pedestrian safety programs. (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)

Actions:

* Makes grants using Title III, Section 25 funds to urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 and greater. The grants are used to fund a "transit enhancements" program, similar to the Transportation Enhancements program administered by FHWA. Eligible projects must enhance mass transportation service, and may include pedestrian access and walkways; bicycle access, including bicycle storage facilities and installing equipment for transporting bicycles on mass transportation vehicles; and enhanced access to mass transportation for persons with disabilities. Over $6.8 million was obligated in FY2002 for improving bicycle and pedestrian access to transit under this program. (FTA)

4. Refine and promote educational and enforcement programs for all road users relating to bicyclists and pedestrians. (NHTSA, FHWA, FTA)

Actions:

* Maintained an active, ongoing program to provide a wide range of literature and resources on bicycle and pedestrian safety programs including:

* Sponsorship of the Pedestrian Safety Campaign and ongoing evaluation. (FHWA)

* Developed Safer Journey CD-ROMs (one each for Pedestrians and Bicyclists in Spanish and English). (FHWA)

* Implemented two new safety trainings for law enforcement education regarding issues to improve and promote safety for pedalcyclists and enforcement of laws for both bikers and motorists: (1) a comprehensive train the trainer program- Community Bicycle Safety for Law Enforcement, and (2) a two-hour training for police officers on bicycle safety. (NHTSA)

* Developed a CD-ROM featuring a comprehensive description of vehicle and traffic laws that have the potential to enhance pedestrian or bicycle safety. (NHTSA)

* Awarded three cooperative grants in 2003 to local law enforcement agencies in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin to develop model pedestrian safety enforcement campaigns. (NHTSA, 2003)

* Conducted Good Practices in Pedestrian Safety project, which identified several cities of various sizes that have developed comprehensive pedestrian safety programs to increase walking as a means of transportation, to improve the physical environment in which people need to walk and live, and to reduce the number of pedestrian crashes. (NHTSA)

* Funding Pedestrian and Motorist Compliance Resulting from Increased Enforcement study to determine whether it is possible to modify and sustain motorist compliance to pedestrian yield the right of way laws at intersection or crosswalk locations through increased law enforcement. (NHTSA)

* Updating Enforcement Strategies for Pedestrian Safety manual for law enforcement use. The revision will include more information on law enforcement strategies and best practices, a marketing plan for promoting pedestrian safety to law enforcement agencies, and recommendations for new materials. (NHTSA)

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)

Actions:

* Delivered 'Train-the-Trainer' implementation design course for ADA-related sidewalk and trail planning and design. (FHWA, 2004)

* Conducted and distributed study on available nonmotorized trip generation methodologies to train and inform State, MPO, and local transportation professionals about planning and engineering needs. (FHWA, 1999)
* Developed a bicycle and a pedestrian facility design course through the National Highway Institute. (FHWA, 1999)

* Works cooperatively with the League of American Bicyclists, who has trained over 400 League Cycling Instructors nationally to provide bicycle safety courses. Instructors are easily located on the League's website (www.bikeleague.org), and scheduled course are publicized on the website. (NHTSA)

* Created and pilot-tested a Bicycle Safety Roadshow modeled after the Pedestrian Safety Roadshow. The purpose of the program is to bring together a diverse mix of community leaders and bicycle experts to address bicycle safety, including directing community leaders to existing resources, programs, and people that can specifically help them address critical bicycling-related issues in the community. The Roadshow also raises awareness of bicycle safety issues within the community and identifies potential countermeasures and programs. (NHTSA, 2003)

* Developing three new products related to pedestrian and bicycle safety and accommodations: (FHWA, 2003-2004)

* One-day course about developing pedestrian and bicycle programs that include partnerships with non-transportation organizations from fields such as education and public health.

* 45-minute module for decisionmakers to highlight benefits of pedestrian and bicycle projects at the local level.

* An on-line technical course relating to bicycle and pedestrian safety and accommodation.

* Developing a National Safe Routes to School course and pilot test to develop a framework and curriculum for a workshop style course to train engineers, planners, safety educators, public health officials, school officials, police, and community members on how to plan and properly accommodate new schools and how to retrofit old schools for safe walking and bicycling. These workshops will also serve as a training curriculum for State-level instructors and resource staff. (NHTSA, FHWA, in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency)

Actions Needed:

* Build expertise in all program areas that are related to designing, planning, and operating facilities or programs that influence pedestrian and bicycle travel.

* Refine and continue providing training for transportation officials to ensure that new professionals are given adequate training to perform their duties.

2. Provide training opportunities and technical assistance to State Department of Transportation bicycle and pedestrian coordinators. (FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

* Convened annual meetings of the State DOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinators. Provides detailed information about current training opportunities at each annual meeting. (FHWA)

* Promoted all National Highway Institute (NHI) bicycle and pedestrian courses through the State DOT bicycle and pedestrian coordinators. (FHWA, NHTSA)

* Facilitated bimonthly conference calls of the State bicycle and pedestrian coordinators, and participates in a listserv of the coordinators. (FHWA)

* Invited State DOT personnel and NHTSA Bicycle/Pedestrian Regional Coordinators to participate in training that allows participants to learn about current safety programs available through federal funds at the local or state levels. (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)

Actions:

* Developed and currently updating the FHWA Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation, which is intended for inclusion in transportation, planning, design, and engineering curricula. The course is modular and intended for graduate-level audiences, but can be used for undergraduate or continuing education. (FHWA)

* Hosted workshops for 75-80 professors on University-level Pedestrian-Bicyclist planning and design course development. Created and will soon post website for accessing materials. (FHWA, 2003-2004)

4. Investigate development of a training course on bicyclist and pedestrian facility planning and design. (FHWA)

Actions:

* Developed numerous training courses on bicycle and pedestrian facility design, including bicycle and pedestrian facility design training courses, a three-day Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Accommodation course through NHI that includes a substantial amount of facility planning and design information, and an ADA implementation design course. (FHWA)

Actions Needed:

* 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:

* Publishes Mobility Connection, a national newsletter on transit connected mobility options. It explores a wide array of approaches to providing affordable, personal mobility options connected to train and bus stations. (FTA)

Actions Needed:

* Integrate bicycle and pedestrian integration into American Public Transit Association (APTA) and FTA courses, resources and materials.
* Complete and publish the results of an FHWA/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)

Actions:

* The Federal Interagency Task Force on Bicycling and Walking met until early 2003 to coordinate activities among federal agencies. (OST)
* DOT staff from OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA, FRA, and BTS regularly participate in USDOT "Bicycle/Pedestrian Share Meetings".
* Joined Federal Interagency Memorandum of Understanding on Public Health and Recreation, to help promote walking and bicycling as healthy forms of transportation. (FHWA)
* 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 and participated in 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. (NHTSA, FHWA)
* Participated in the Interagency Trails Council meetings hosted by Department of the Interior/National Park Service. (FHWA)
* Developed the Millennium Trails Initiative in partnership with the White House Millennium Council. (FHWA)
* Worked with the U.S. Access Board on sidewalk accessibility and the accessibility of outdoor developed areas. (FHWA, NHTSA)
* Continue and renew activities and coordination of Federal Interagency Task Force on Bicycling and Walking, with participation from participation from the General Services Administration (GSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for disease Control (CDC), the Department of the Interior (DOI), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, the Department of Defense (DOD), and national and local bicycle and pedestrian interest groups.

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:

* Helped sponsor the National Bike Summit, Lifesavers National Conference on Highway Safety, Transportation Research Board meetings, the Pro-Walk/Pro-Bike Conference, World Health Day, and similar events. USDOT officials participated in conference panels on reauthorization and other bicycle and pedestrian-related topics, including World Health Day. (FHWA, NHTSA)
* FHWA Administrator has spoken to the League of American Bicyclists, to recreation advocacy organizations, etc. (FHWA)
* NHTSA Administrator was the guest speaker at the National Bike Summit in 2003. (NHTSA)
* Support International Walk to School Day/Week each October. Modal Administrators have spoken at these press events. (NHTSA, FHWA)
* Continue 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 to other localities. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Regularly brief DOT field, State DOT, MPO, and local bicycle-pedestrian coordinators through email communications, conference presentations, and phone conferences about bicycle and pedestrian program issues. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA)
* Developed a compendium of current practices- documenting programs in bicycle safety; Safe Routes To School- Practice and Promise; Review of exemplary on-bike safety training programs with a compare/contrast of simulated training versus in traffic training. (NHTSA, FHWA)

Actions Needed:

* Conduct site visits of exemplary programs, compile and disseminate information to other localities.
* Improve utilization of communication via agencies' websites for quick and easy access for professionals and the general public.

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:

* Providing funding to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center to develop approximately 30 case studies of localities collecting bicycle and pedestrian use and facility extent data. (FHWA)
* BTS developed Bicycle and Pedestrian Data: Sources, Gaps, and Needs, to identify existing data environment and develop strategy for increased collection of data, and analysis of bicycle and pedestrian-related data. (BTS, 2000)
* FHWA and BTS jointly conducted the 2001 National Household Transportation Survey, which collected bicycle and pedestrian trip information.
* NHTSA and BTS jointly conducted the 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, which focused on bicycle and pedestrian trip level data.
* BTS conducted the Omnibus Household Survey, which provided monthly estimates of the number of persons biking and walking.

Actions Needed:

* Develop estimated correction factors of National Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS) historical bicycling and walking data to evaluate changes in bicycling and walking in the United States over time.
* Develop training and education programs to increase observational data collection about bicycling and walking.

5. Develop and provide information to transit providers and to potential and actual transit users on multimodal trips including bicycling and walking. (FTA)

Actions:

U.S. DOT has taken no action on this item.

6. Implement a national campaign to promote increased and safer use of bicycling and walking. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Developed Pedestrian Safety Campaign materials for national use, conducting evaluation in 3 cities. Over 200 local communities have used the materials. (FHWA)
* Participating in various national Safe Routes to School campaigns promoting walking and bicycling to school. (NHTSA, FHWA)
* Providing mini-grants to develop and pilot test bicycling programs for various audiences over a four-year period. Once fully tested, effective programs will be modified and adopted into national campaign initiatives. (NHTSA)
* Supported development of Bikeability Checklist and Walkability Checklist - easy to use resources to garner support and involvement of the community in accessing the safety of their community and provide guidance of options to follow once problems are identified. (NHTSA, FHWA)
* Implementing National Strategies for Advancing Child Pedestrian Safety, an action plan designed to enhance the well-being and safety of children by reducing their risk of injury while walking and to increase their physical activity level. (NHTSA)

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)

Actions:

* Conducted the 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, which focused on bicyclist and pedestrian safety practices. Questions also addressed safety perceptions and desired pedestrian and bicycling environments. Data analysis and distribution is ongoing. (NHTSA, BTS, 2002)
* Effectiveness evaluation of bicycle and pedestrian programs is a NHTSA program goal for 2005. All bicycle and pedestrian programs and materials will be tested or evaluated to establish how they are being utilized and what changes might be appropriate. (NHTSA)
* Funding update to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT) software, which standardizes data entry and increases local capacity for analysis relating to bicycle and pedestrian crashes. (FHWA, NHTSA, 2003-2004)
* Conducted a study in Peoria IL and Phoenix AZ to reduce speeding in residential neighborhoods. (NHTSA)
* Conducting a study in Miami/Dade County to reduce the occurrence of pedestrian crashes of all ages. (NHTSA)
* Conducting a study to identify alternatives for reducing alcohol-related pedestrian crashes. (NHTSA)
* Conducting a study to increase motorist compliance to pedestrian right-of-way laws. (NHTSA)

Actions Needed:

* 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:

* Published Traffic Safety Digest: A Compendium of Innovative State and Local Traffic Safety Projects which includes descriptions of pedestrian and bicycle safety initiatives. (NHTSA)
* Published the Safety Countermeasures newsletter and a series of Traffic Tech Notes that highlight successful and interesting projects funded with Section 402 money. (NHTSA)
* Since 1997, over $78 million has been made available to States under Section 402 for bicycle and pedestrian safety programs. (NHTSA)

3. Develop a data collection methodology for bicyclist and pedestrian use estimates and for exposure measures in crash/accident rate calculations. (FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

* Providing funding to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center to develop approximately 30 case studies of localities collecting bicycle and pedestrian use and facility extent data. (FHWA)
* Conducting research to prepare and publish Identification of Alternative Methodologies for Collecting Pedestrian Exposure & Crash Data. (NHTSA, FHWA)

Actions Needed:

* Complete this action item.
* 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:

* Co-chair the National Bicycle Safety Network. (NHTSA)
* Developed and published a range of materials on bicycle helmets including:
o Good Practices Guide for Bicycle Safety Education includes case studies and advice on planning bicycle safety programs, including helmet-related education. (FHWA)
o What's New About Bicycle Helmets, flyer. (NHTSA)
o Use Your Head Before You Buy a Bicycle Helmet, poster and flyer (NHTSA)
o Be Head Smart, brochure. (NHTSA)
o Ride Smart. It's Time to Start - Bicycle Video. Bicycle helmet use for targeted audience middle school children. (NHTSA, 2002)
o Bike Safe. Bike Smart. This video is a sequel to above - same age for targeted audience but related to safe riding practices. (NHTSA, 2004 - awaiting release)
o Adults and Bicycle Safety. Includes rules of the road, helmet use, education on structural changes to roads and signage, and includes responsibility of motorists in promoting bicycle safety. (NHTSA, under development 2004)

5. Investigate bicyclist and pedestrian crashes which do not involve motor vehicles and those which occur off the roadway. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA)

Note: The current Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), operated by NHTSA, tracks all fatal crashes that occur on a roadway and involve a motor vehicle. It does not collect data about nonmotorized crashes or those not occurring on roadways.

Actions:

* Producing the report Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists using trails near active railroad and transit lines. The report should be available to the public in mid-2004. (FHWA, FRA, NHTSA, FTA, 2004)
* Completed Injuries to Pedestrians and Bicyclists: An Analysis Based on Hospital Emergency Department Data report. (FHWA)
* Upcoming report, Characteristics of Emerging Road and Trail Users and Their Safety, contains a section that evaluates different methods of collecting crash data for alternative modes of transportation. (FHWA, 2004)
* Update of Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Material and Crash Data (CD-ROM) will be available winter 2005. (NHTSA)

Actions Needed:

* Modify existing crash data collection system to include complete range of reported bicycle and pedestrian crashes, including those that do not occur on a roadway or do not involve a motor vehicle.
* Investigate possibility of conducting special studies of bicycle and pedestrian crashes that do not occur on public rights-of-way.

6. Widely promote the use of Walk Alert and other pedestrian safety program materials. (FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

* NHTSA has developed new pedestrian safety materials to replace the Walk Alert materials:
o Pedestrian Safety Toolkit - User Manual and Resource Guide
o Prevent Pedestrian Crashes (for elementary education pupils)
o Stepping Out - a guide aimed at seniors to encourage them to walk more often and to do so in a safe manner.
o Zone Guide for Pedestrian Safety - how to focus pedestrian safety efforts in a concentrated area within a town to achieve greater effectiveness than throughout the entire town or city.

7. Cooperate with other agencies and organizations to develop and promote a Bicycle Safety Program for use at the local level. (FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

* The National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety, which was available to the public in June 2001, is the collaborative efforts of a number of federal agencies and bicycle safety experts. (NHTSA)
* Funding the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center's development of a national Safe Routes to School training course for delivery to State and local level participants. The course will include a number of elements promoting bicycle safety. (FHWA, NHTSA, 2004)
* Awarded mini-grants to national, state and local organizations to develop and promote Bicycle Safety Programs in direct support of the goals and strategies outlined in the National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety guidelines. Grants were awarded in 2002 and will again be awarded in 2004. (NHTSA)
* Funding the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) to develop and test a Safe Routes to School curriculum and materials on safe walking and bicycling for middle school students. The curriculum will be taught by LAB Cycling Instructors to teachers and/or professionals (NHTSA, 2004).

8. Collect crash/accident data involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit vehicles, develop countermeasures for these crashes/accidents and test these countermeasures. (FTA)

Actions:

* Producing the report Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists using trails near active railroad and transit lines. The report should be available to the public in mid-2004. (FHWA, FRA, NHTSA, FTA, 2004)

Actions Needed:

* Address other transit-related crash data and countermeasures for pedestrians and bicyclists 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)

Actions:

* The Federal Interagency Task Force on Bicycling and Walking met until early 2003 to coordinate activities among federal agencies. (OST)
* Joined Federal Interagency Memorandum of Understanding on Public Health and Recreation, to help promote walking and bicycling as healthy forms of transportation. (FHWA)
* Co-chair 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. (NHTSA)
* The League of American Bicyclists, through a cooperative agreement with NHTSA, has been made responsible for tracking notable efforts that support the National Strategies for Advancing Bicycle Safety- this means tracking other efforts to include those done through federal grant money but also initiatives done at the state, local, and organizational levels. This information is posted on their website: www.bikeleague.org. (NHTSA)
* FHWA and NHTSA staff participated in early meetings of the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Committee convened by the League of American Bicyclists. The purpose of the group is to pull together and coordinate Federal, State, and local SR2S efforts.

Actions Needed:

* Continue and renew activities and coordination of Federal Interagency Task Force on Bicycling and Walking, with participation from participation from GSA, EPA, CDC, DOT, DOI, USDA, the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, DOD, and local bicycle interest groups.

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:

* Works regularly with public health agencies to promote bicycling and walking. In addition, FHWA has coordinated efforts with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (FHWA, NHTSA)
* Supports pedestrian and bicycle safety conferences that promote safe walking and biking, such as the National Congress of Pedestrian Advocates, National Bike Summit, and the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference: Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities. (NHTSA, FHWA)
* Established the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Clearinghouse with the University of North Carolina's Highway Safety Research Center. PBIC provides information to help improve safety and increase bicycling and walking. It also responds to technical inquiries relating to bicycle and pedestrian facility design, planning, and safety (www.pedbikeinfo.org). (FHWA,NHTSA, 1999-present)
* Established the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (www.enhancements.org). (FHWA, 1996-present).

3. Provide technical information, present briefings, or conduct workshops and conferences as appropriate. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Participated in the National Bike Summit, ProWalk/ProBike Conferences, the National Trails Symposium, and in national meetings of AASHTO, ITE, ASCE, and the Partnership for a Walkable America. (FHWA, NHTSA, BTS)
* Presented bicycle and pedestrian information at numerous international, national, State, and local conferences, meetings, and workshops. (FHWA, NHTSA, BTS)
* Briefed the U.S. DOT Secretary, modal Administrators, other key agency officers, and members of Congress on bicycle and pedestrian issues. (FHWA, NHTSA)
* Completed numerous workshops on Creating Walkable Communities and Pedestrian Design Considerations. Developed websites with technical information and outreach materials. (FHWA)

4. Conduct a workshop to investigate the role of the transit industry in bicycle systems and services. (FTA)

Actions:
No action has been taken to complete this item.

Action Needed:
Conduct the workshop required for 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:
No action has been taken to complete this item.

Actions Needed:

Complete this action item.

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)

Actions:

* Work with Transportation Research Board Pedestrian Committee and Bicycle Transportation Committee. (FHWA, NHTSA, BTS)
* Provided the 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors questionnaire to a variety of organizations and stakeholders for their comments. The questionnaire was revised based on their comments. (NHTSA, BTS)
* Partnering with the US Forest Service Technology and Development Center to develop publications and guidelines for various kinds of trail uses. (FHWA)
* Participate in the internal DOT Pedestrian and Bicyclist Charter Group as well as the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Share Group Meeting. (FHWA, NHTSA, FTA, FRA, BTS)

Actions Needed:

* Build expertise in various program areas, including research, that are related to designing, planning, and operating facilities or programs that influence pedestrian and bicycle travel.
* Continue 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:

* Jointly conducted the 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors, which focused on bicyclist and pedestrian safety practices. (BTS, NHTSA)
* Completed a number of research activities related to pedestrian and bicycling facilities, including:
o An Evaluation of Pedestrian Countdown Signals (FHWA)
o Pedestrian Crosswalk Case Studies: Richmond, Virginia; Buffalo, New York; Stillwater, Minnesota (FHWA)
o Pedestrian Facilities Users Guide: Providing Safety and Mobility (FHWA)
o A Comparative Analysis of Bicycle Lanes Versus Wide Curb Lanes: Final Report (FHWA)
o Safety Effects of Marked Vs. Unmarked Crosswalks at Uncontrolled Locations (FHWA)
o An Analysis of Factors Contributing to 'Walking Along Roadway' Crashes: Research Study and Guidelines for Sidewalks and Walkways (FHWA)
o The Effect of Crosswalk Markings on Vehicle Speeds in Maryland, Virginia, and Arizona (FHWA)
o The Effects of Traffic Calming Measures on Pedestrian and Motorist Behavior (FHWA)
o An Evaluation of High Visibility Crosswalk Treatment - Clearwater Florida (FHWA)
o A Comparison Of Countdown Pedestrian Signal Display Strategies (FHWA)
o A Comparison Of Pedestrian Signal Heads (FHWA)
o Acceptable Speeds from the Pedestrian's Perspective (FHWA)
o Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety at Memorial Circle in Arlington, Virginia (FHWA)
o Development of The Bicycle Compatibility Index (FHWA)
o Evaluation of Bicycle Helmet Laws and Ordinances (NHTSA)
* Ongoing research projects include:
o Update of Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Material and Crash Data; available Winter 2004 (NHTSA)
o Characteristics of Emerging Road and Trail Users and Their Safety (FHWA)
o Evaluation of Safety, Design, and Operation of Shared Use Paths (FHWA)
o Development and Test of Novel Speed Reducing Countermeasures Targeting Pedestrian Road Users in Residential Communities (NHTSA)
o Hazard Index for Assessing Pedestrian and Bicyclists Safety at Intersections (FHWA)
o Pedestrian Alert System (SBIR Phase II) (FHWA)
o Effects of In-Pavement Crosswalk Lighting on Pedestrian Safety (FHWA)
o Segway Human Transporter Research (FHWA)
o Evaluation of Alternative Approaches for Reducing Alcohol-Related Crashes Among Pedestrian Targets of Opportunity (NHTSA)

Actions Needed:

* Identify more research funding within the Department to meet the on-going research needs in the bicycle and pedestrian area including measuring the effects of awareness, educational, and law enforcement programs on behavioral change and structural improvements; and measuring the effects of traffic calming measures and educational efforts on behaviors (NHTSA, FHWA).

3. Conduct research into promoting the use of bicycling and walking, and measuring the effectiveness of such programs. (FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Currently conducting Effectiveness of School-based Bicycle Safety Education Programs study. Completion of this review of four existing comprehensive on-bike programs is expected in Fall 2005. (NHTSA)
* Proposing research for effectiveness of existing safety programs and materials for FY05. (NHTSA)

Actions Needed:

* Conduct research necessary 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. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

* All U.S. DOT agencies take full advantage of the World Wide Web to make information about bicycle and pedestrian programs, research, and study widely available.
* 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.

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)

Note: A series of workshops were conducted during the first five years following release of the National Bicycling and Walking Study. After these workshops, comprehensive efforts to improve information transfer have been ongoing.

6. Identify means and provide resources to translate appropriate research and other bicyclist/pedestrian literature from foreign language sources. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Completed a series of international pedestrian safety synthesis reports including report for Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, The Netherlands, and Sweden. (FHWA)
* Provided a number of materials in Spanish, including:
o Safer Journey (FHWA)
o Caminado a Través de los Años Seguridad Peatones de Tercera Edad (Walking Through the Years - Pedestrian Safety for Older Adults) brochure and booklet. (NHTSA)
o Caminando a Traves de los Anos - Seguridad Peatonal Para Niños (Walking Through the Years - Pedestrian Safety for your child) brochure. (NHTSA)
o Tome Nota (Walkability Checklist). (NHTSA)
o La Cita - a 30-min video in Spanish aimed at educating seniors on safe walking behaviors. (NHTSA)
o Seguridad para peatones, ciclistas, y autobuses escolares (Pedestrian, Bicycle, and School Bus Safety) CD-ROM public service announcements. (NHTSA)
o Peatón, Camine Con Precaución (Pedestrian, Walk Safely) brochure. (NHTSA)
o Todos Somos Peatones (Everyone is a Pedestrian) brochures (FHWA)
o Parts of the Pedestrian Safety Campaign materials are available in Spanish (FHWA)
o Be Smart. Bike Safe. Bicycle - A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers (English/Spanish booklet and activities) (NHTSA)

Actions Needed:

* Identify a mechanism to translate key documents from languages such as German, Danish, Japanese, and Dutch into English.
* Investigate the need to translate current documents into other languages (NHTSA and FHWA)

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:

* CMAQ Annual reports include emissions numbers for bicyclists and pedestrians. (FHWA)
* The 2002 National Academies of Science review of the CMAQ program includes a comprehensive, rigorous list of TCM effectiveness numbers, including bicycle and pedestrian-related results.
* Issuance of A Sampling of Emissions Analysis Techniques lists methods for analysis of TCM including for bicycle and pedestrian data. (FHWA, 2002)
* CMAQ Annual reports are evolving to an automated system available to the States as they are prepared. Consequently, data will be available to catalog and list air quality benefits by project category, including bike and pedestrian efforts. These projects, by virtue of their CMAQ eligibility, will include emissions reductions. In addition to the environmental benefits, dollar investment can be tabulated by project, State, and year in addition to other project-specific information. (FHWA)

8. Establish a national nonmotorized transportation center and clearinghouse. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* In accordance with the requirements of TEA-21, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, operated by the University of North Carolina's Highway Safety Research Center, has been funded since June of 1999, and serves as the USDOT clearinghouse for nonmotorized transportation information. (www.pedbikeinfo.org). (FHWA, NHTSA)

Actions:

9. Conduct research on patronage estimation and mode split modeling for bicycle and pedestrian services and facilities. (FTA)

Actions:
No action has been taken to complete this item.

Action Needed:
Complete this action item.

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)

Actions:

* 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. A monthly meeting is held to share information among agency staff members of the U.S. DOT with responsibilities for bicycling and walking. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FRA, FTA, BTS)
* Prepared and distributed a report on bicycle and pedestrian data gaps (Bicycle and Pedestrian Data: Sources, Needs, & Gaps). (BTS, 2000)
* Involved on an ongoing basis to provide technical information to other transportation related offices. Examples include recently completing a response to Missouri DOT regarding pedestrian fatalities on interstates; and reviewing and commenting on bicyclist safety research proposed by division office in Rhode Island. (FHWA)

2. Encourage the use of bicycling and walking as agency policy. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* Design Guidance language issued in February 2000 states FHWA support of bicycling and walking as modes of transportation and calls upon decisionmakers to routinely include provisions for them in all projects and programs unless exceptional circumstances exist. (FHWA)
* DOT at national headquarters and regional offices participate in National Bike to Work Days and Walk to Work Days, and related local events.

Actions Needed:

* 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:

* 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:

* 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. Recent examples include:
* Sponsorship and participation in the National Bike Summits, Pedestrian Advocates Congresses, ProWalk/ProBike Conferences, the National Trails Symposiums, International Mountain Bicycling conferences, and in national meetings of AASHTO, ASCE, and the Partnership for a Walkable America. (FHWA, NHTSA, BTS)
* Presentation on the availability of bicycle and pedestrian survey data at the 2003 National Bike Summit meetings. (NHTSA, BTS)
* Presentation on the 2002 National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors at the 2003 International Conference on Walking. (BTS, NHTSA)
* Participate in professional conferences and meetings including: Institute of Transportation Engineers, Transportation Research Board, Pedestrian and Bicycles States Coordinators meetings, Association of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Professionals meetings, American Planning Association, and regional intersection safety workshops. (FHWA, NHTSA, BTS)

5. Assimilate examples of successful projects and promotion programs for distribution. (OST, FHWA, NHTSA, FTA)

Actions:

* The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center maintains a website that shows examples of successful products and promotional programs. (FHWA, NHTSA)
* The Pedestrian and Bicyclist Expert Systems are under development, with approximately 75 to 50 case studies each. In addition, these case studies are mentioned in the quarterly Pedestrian Forum newsletter when they come up.
* Compilation of strategies and lessons learned from the 2002 mini-grants that support the National Strategies For Advancing Bicycle Safety. (NHTSA)
* Existing or upcoming publications that highlight successful programs include:
* Safe Routes to School: Practice and Promise - release expected mid-2004 (NHTSA)
* Good Practices Guide For Bicycle Safety Education (FHWA)