Pedestrian and Bicycle Accommodation Policies

On March 15 the US Department of Transportation presented a policy statement supporting the development of fully integrated transportation networks across the country. This would include considering walking and biking as equals with all other forms of transportation.

They are charging local communities to go beyond minimum standards in making pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks safe, attractive, sustainable, and accessible.

Here are a few of the key points that the DOT encourages communities to adhere to when developing new transportation networks for pedestrians and bikers:

Ensuring that there are transportation choices for people of all ages and abilities, especially children:
Pedestrian and bicycle facilities should meet accessibility requirements and provide safe, convenient, and interconnected transportation networks. For example, children should have safe and convenient options for walking or bicycling to school and parks. People who cannot or prefer not to drive should have safe and efficient transportation choices.
Going beyond minimum design standards:
Transportation agencies are encouraged, when possible, to avoid designing walking and bicycling facilities to the minimum standards. For example, shared-use paths that have been designed to minimum width requirements will need retrofits as more people use them. It is more effective to plan for increased usage than to retrofit an older facility. Planning projects for the long-term should anticipate likely future demand for bicycling and walking facilities and not preclude the provision of future improvements.
Integrating bicycle and pedestrian accommodation on new, rehabilitated, and limited-access bridges: DOT encourages bicycle and pedestrian accommodation on bridge projects including facilities on limited-access bridges with connections to streets or paths.
Improving non-motorized facilities during maintenance projects: Many transportation agencies spend most of their transportation funding on maintenance rather than on constructing new facilities. Transportation agencies should find ways to make facility improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists during resurfacing and other maintenance projects.