Technical Professionals

An individual or small group of citizens may support or instigate change, but usually they depend upon full-time engineers, police, or planners for changes become reality. The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) is an important voice to support those who promote walking as part of their jobs. In 1995, APBP was established as a forum for planners, engineers, academics, and advocates who work to improve conditions for walking. To help ensure excellence in this emerging profession, the association has initiated a number of programs including:

  • Benchmarking surveys of the profession in 1995 and 2000 to document salaries, job responsibilities, emerging issues, and concerns
  • Training courses and workshops focusing on pedestrian facility design, professional development, and other important issues
  • A Best Practices manual, published in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, documenting some of the most successful pedestrian programs and facilities in the nation
  • A members listserv for posting questions and announcements related to walking and bicycling
  • Case studies and other materials provided to the PBIC, in a partnership with the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center under a grant from the United States Department of Transportation

Increasingly, other professional associations and professions are concerned with pedestrian issues. Sufficient numbers of interested members exist such that special committees or meetings focus on pedestrian-related issues within the following organizations:

Within each of these organizations, you can now find one or more sections that relate to and support professionals working to improve community walkability.