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Active Transportation

Recent Developments Archive

• Report Evaluates Active Transportation Benefits, Costs

  Methods for evaluating the benefits and costs of active transport such as walking and cycling are analyzed in a report from the Victoria Transport Policy Institute. The report describes benefits including improved personal health for users and decreased environmental impacts for society. The report also discusses ways to increase walking and cycling activity, and concludes that many active transport benefits tend to be overlooked or undervalued in conventional transportation economic evaluations. For more information, link to the report. (12-18-15)

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• FHWA Showcases 86 Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks

  FHWA has issued a set of 86 examples of bicycle-pedestrian improvement projects initiated by state DOTs, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), counties, cities, and other entities. The case studies are aimed at addressing bike and pedestrian safety issues nationwide and helping communities create safer, better-connected non-motorized networks under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safer People, Safer Streets initiative. Project categories include planning and prioritization, shared use paths, corridor improvements, bridges, on-road facilities, intersections, and crossing improvements. For more information, link to the FHWA case studies and the DOT initiative. (12-15-15)

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• Florida DOT Releases Plan to Implement Complete Streets Approach

  The Florida Department of Transportation has released the agency’s Complete Streets Implementation Plan. As part of the plan, FDOT officials announced they will be designing streets in the state’s downtowns very differently from those in suburbs or rural locations, and the result will be improved safety for all users and improved accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists. The five-part implementation process includes the following: revising key documents; updating decision-making processes; modifying performance measurement; developing targeted stakeholder communication plan; and providing ongoing education and training. For more information, link to the plan.  (12-9-15)

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• GA0 Urges Actions to Reduce Pedestrian and Cyclist Fatalities

  Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and injuries represent a growing percentage of all traffic fatalities and injuries, concludes the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in its report, “Pedestrians and Cyclists: Cities, States, and DOT Are Implementing Actions to Improve Safety,” GAO-16-66. Possible contributing factors include increased walking and cycling trips; alcohol use; distracted road users; or road design practices. The report recommends that the Department of Transportation (DOT) continue its efforts to address the issue through initiatives such as the Mayors’ Challenge as well as data collection and relevant engineering approaches. For more information, link to the report. (12-10-15) 

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• FTA Kicks Off Transit-Oriented Development Initiative, Offers Technical Assistance

  The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced the start of its nationwide transit-oriented development (TOD) initiative, a project designed to encourage development near transit systems that achieves three goals: boosts the local economy; provides easy access to jobs and services; and creates compact, mixed-use, walkable communities. FTA has engaged Smart Growth America (SGA) to coordinate the technical assistance and provide planning and analysis tools. SGA will work on site with leaders in several communities selected from a competitive process to offer free in-depth technical assistance tailored to their local needs. For more information, link to the announcement. (12-3-15)

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• TR News Focuses on Transportation, Public Health

  The feature article in the Transportation Research Board’s September-October issue of TR News examines the impacts of transportation on public health in terms of safety, air quality, physical activity, equitable access to opportunities, and noise. It also looks at the potential societal benefits of focusing on public health when investing in options like walking, biking, and public transit. The conclusion is that integrating health-enhancing choices into transportation policy can save lives and money, improve environmental health, and stimulate economic development. For more information, see the article. (11-16-15)

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• League of American Bicyclists Names Bicycle-Friendly Communities

  A total of 55 new and renewing communities received the designation of Bicycle Friendly Communities by the League of American Bicyclists at its Fall 2015 awards. Besides the significant number of classic college towns on the list, newcomers included communities such as Brownsville, Texas; Benton and Washington Counties, Ark.; and vacation destinations like Naples, Fla. To apply for designation, communities complete a detailed questionnaire that is then reviewed by national experts and local cycling community members.  For more information, link to the announcement. (11-16-15)

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• Report Documents 10-Year Accomplishments of Safe Routes to School Program

  A report documenting the 10-year history of the Safe Routes to School Program has been issued by the National Center for State Routes to School. The report document increased interest in walking and bicycling, benefits from many local projects, increased mode shift to walking and biking to school, and safety benefits. In addition, the report found broader benefits such as reduced transportation costs, more connectivity within communities, and potential to help combat truancy, to improve readiness to learn, and enhance community life. For more information, link to Creating Healthier Generations - A Look at the 10 Years of the Federal Safe Routes to School Program. (11-6-15)

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• DOT Tool Provides Health Indicators for Transportation

  A new web-based tool documenting the links between transportation and public health has been launched by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Transportation and Health Tool was developed by the DOT and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be a resource for transportation decision makers, giving them an overview and key perspectives on how transportation choices affect community health. The tool provides a variety of transportation and public health information, including transportation and health indicators, a way to make state-by-state comparisons, strategies that can be used to improve health outcomes, literature and resources, and scoring methodologies. For more information, link to Transportation and Health Tool. (11-3-15)

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• Connecticut DOT Program Promotes Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety and Improved Accommodations

  The Connecticut DOT has announced a new initiative to make walking and bicycling safer and more accommodating as modes of travel for state residents. Called the Community Connectivity Program, the initiative includes “road safety audits” that will evaluate issues statewide and identify opportunities for improvement, which can range from low-cost solutions to higher-cost projects. The initiative is intended to encourage active transportation and make the state’s community centers more vibrant and livable. For more information, link to the announcement. (10-29-15)

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• TRB Research Newsletter Profiles Public Health and Transportation

  The September-October 2015 issue of the Transportation Research Board’s TR News publication is focused on public health and transportation. Articles cover health impact assessments and analyses, incorporating health into transportation planning and decision making, risks and lessons learned from infectious disease spread through the transportation system, measuring the health impacts of walking and bicycling, innovative practices and research to assess active transportation and health, and health-related findings from TRB-managed research projects. For more information, link to Sept.-Oct. 2015 TR News. (11-3-15)

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• Caltrans Launches Process for State's First Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

  The California Department of Transportation is launching the planning process for the state’s first bicycle and pedestrian plan. The comprehensive California State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will focus on improving safety and access across all modes, particularly bicycle and pedestrian. The plan will help guide future investments, such as Caltrans’ Active Transportation Program, which funds projects that take cars off the road, helping to clean the air, conserve natural resources, and promote healthier, sustainable communities. For more information, link to the announcement at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/paffairs/news/pressrel/2015/15pr111.htm and the CSBPP website at www.cabikepedplan.org. (10-27-15)

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• FHWA Issues Memo Listing Available Flexible Transportation Alternatives Funds

  The Federal Highway Administration has issued an updated memo notifying states of flexible excess Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds available for Aug. 1, 2015-July 31, 2016. The memo includes a list of flexible excess TAP funds available by state. Most states and the District of Columbia have at least some funds accessible to them. Three states have no available funding. Under MAP-21, funds that are allocated to states but that are not reserved from specific TAP programs or not otherwise obligated become available for use either on TAP-eligible projects or for any activity that has been approved for funds under Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program, at the state's discretion. The text of the memo is available at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/transportation_alternatives/guidance/flex_excess_2016.cfm.  (10-28-15)

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• DOT Reports Results of Pedestrian/Bicycle Road Safety Assessments

  The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a report documenting the results of a state-by-state assessment of pedestrian and bicycle safety. The assessments included on-the-ground examinations of transportation facilities conducted by a multidisciplinary, multi-agency team. Findings looked at physical barriers, policy coordination, policy and planning processes, stakeholder engagement, changes in community needs over time, and data needs. For more information, link to the summary and to the Safe People, Safer Streets Initiative website. (10-28-15)

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• Portland State University Issues Report on Pedestrian Demand Estimation Tool

  The National Institute for Transportation and Communities at Portland State University has issued a report on the development of a pedestrian demand estimation tool. The study focused on the destination choice behaviors of pedestrians, using an analysis of 4,500 walk trips for six different trip purposes including work, shopping and recreation. The study found that walk trip distance was a significant deterrent, but employment was a strong attractor. More attractive pedestrian walking environments were also positively associated with pedestrian destination behavior. The study also tested the predictive model as an estimator of walk trips by purpose. For more information, link to the final report. (10-15-15)

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• FHWA Releases Updated Guidance on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities

  The Federal Highway Administration has issued updated guidance on implementing federal legislation and policies as they relate to safety and accommodation for bicycling and walking. The document contains information such as how to integrate bicycle and pedestrian facilities, funding eligibility, and federal share and matching requirements.  It also includes guidance on environmental review streamlining and a description of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Position. For more information, link to the guidance. (10-10-15)

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• Report Details the Health and Social Benefits of Street-Scale Features

  The American Planning Association has issued a report addressing the benefits of designing streetscapes to be more compatible with walking and bicycling. The report reviews the benefits of nine street-scale features including sidewalks, bicycle facilities, traffic calming, crossing aids, aesthetics, public space, street trees, green infrastructure, and street furniture. The report finds that these features not only promote physical activity but also have co-benefits in the areas of social cohesion, reduced crime, reduced accident rates, mental health, and the local economy. For more information, link to The Benefits of Street-Scale Features for Walking and Biking. (10-1-15)

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• Information Brief Profiles MPOs Implementing Safe Routes to School

  The National Center for Safe Routes to School has issued case studies of how MPOs in Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Dallas-Fort Worth are implementing Safe Routes to School priorities. The information brief describes the use of Transportation Alternatives Program in the four regions. The brief reports how Phoenix officials created separate applications and funding streams for infrastructure-related and non-infrastructure-related projects to ensure both types would be funded. In San Francisco, extra points for competitive funding were provided for projects consistent with Safe Routes to School. In Las Vegas, officials consulted with stakeholders to develop TAP funding priorities. In Dallas-Fort Worth, the MPO did outreach to encourage local governments and school systems to partner on applications. For more information, link to the brief. (9-29-15)  

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• EPA Announces Winners of 2015 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement

  The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the winners of the 2015 Smart Growth Achievement Awards, honoring communities that use innovative policies and strategies.  The 2015 winners are Jackson, Tennessee; Hamilton, Ohio; and Newark, New Jersey.  In Jackson, the city rebuilt and turned a 20-acre redevelopment district into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood after devastating tornadoes destroyed the downtown.  In Hamilton, under a public-private partnership, the city completed three mixed-use projects that catalyzed investment in the downtown area. And in Newark, a park was created on a formerly contaminated site; it reconnects residents to their river for the first time in decades. For more information, link to the booklet.  (9-16-15)

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• FHWA Studies International Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks

  The Federal Highway Administration has released the findings from a study examining international pedestrian and bicycle networks in order to better inform domestic pedestrian and bicycle initiatives. The study spanned 11 countries, examining innovations in design and treatments across six categories related to infrastructure, traffic, intelligent transportation systems, policy, the prioritization of improvements and performance measures. The study noted efforts that prioritize bicycling and walking in the planning process and place a high value on public input. It also found many innovative planning techniques that place an emphasis on safe and well-integrated bicycle transit, especially in intersection and lane planning and design for nighttime use. For more information, link to Delivering Safe, Comfortable, and Connected Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks: A Review of International Practices. (9-8-15)

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• FHWA Issues Revision to Transportation Alternatives Program Questions and Answers

  The Federal Highway Administration has issued a revision to the online question and answers about the Transportation Alternatives Program. The updated Q&A, which incorporates questions received between June 2013 and October 2014, addresses suballocation and the competitive process; federal share, match, transfers, flexibility, and treatment of projects; planning requirements, and project eligibility. The Q&A also specifically addresses the Recreational Trails and Safe Routes to School programs, and boulevards from divided highways. The Q&A supplements the June 2013 guidance on the TAP program under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act (MAP-21). For more information, link to the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Questions & Answers. (8-17-15)

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• Bicycle-Pedestrian Count Technology Pilot Project Information Posted

  The Federal Highway Administration has posted information describing its Bicycle-Pedestrian Count Technology Pilot Project. The project is a research and technology deployment effort to identify organizational and technical capacity needs at metropolitan planning organizations, develop resources for addressing these needs, and transfer lessons learned across the country. The end result will increase the capacity of MPOs to establish and operate bicycle and pedestrian counting programs. The project is being conducted with the direct participation of ten MPOs with other interested MPOs shadowing the project. For more information, link to the project description. (8-26-15)

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• League of American Bicyclists Announces Bicycle Friendly Businesses

  League of American Bicyclists has awarded 100 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses in 31 states and Washington, D.C. With this announcement, the program has grown to include 1,050 leading local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies from across the country that have achieved this designation. There are now Bicycle Friendly Businesses in 47 states and DC. For more information, link to the announcement. (8-26-15)

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• EPA Offers Smart Growth Self-Assessment Tool for Rural Communities

  The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a tool to help rural communities assess smart growth strategies. The tool includes a compilation of strategies, organized by 11 common "goal areas," that villages, towns, and small cities can use to evaluate their existing policies to create healthy, environmentally resilient, and economically robust places. The self-assessment was developed as part of EPA's Smart Growth Implementation Assistance project in Madison County, New York. For more information about the project, see Smart Growth Self-Assessment for Rural Communities: Madison County, New York. (8-26-15)

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• FHWA Clarifies Funding, NEPA Reviews for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects

  The Federal Highway Administration has issued guidance that addresses common misconceptions about the funding, street design and environmental review requirements for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The guidance specifies that proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities are not required to be within an existing right-of-way to be considered for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. Also, the guidance identifies multiple federal programs that can provide funding for eligible bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and clarifies that federal funding can in some cases be used for projects on local roadways. In addition, the guidance specifies that the construction of separated bike lanes and the removal of vehicle lanes in favor of other modes (“road diets”) are eligible for federal highway funds. Finally, the guidance clarifies the use of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects, and addresses AASHTO Green Book street design concerns. For more information, link to Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding, Design, and Environmental Review: Addressing Common Misconceptions (8-20-15).

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• Study Analyzes Public Opinion of Public Transit

  Mineta Transportation Institute has assembled a collection of 56 public opinion polls addressing public transit to construct a big picture look at public perception of public transit and provide the ability to identify trends and patters in public opinion, as well as serve as a resource for further surveys on public transit. The report analyzes poll questions to highlight themes of questions and provides conclusions on overall opinion from the results. The conclusions find that the public believes in the benefits of public transit and support improvement efforts but is not as supportive of increased spending or taxes. For the full report, link to What Do Americans Think about Public Transit? A Review of U.S. Public Opinion Polling Survey Questions. (8-5-15)

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• Report Details Transportation Alternatives Spending in 2014

  The Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange, part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, has released findings from a study on how funds are being spent under the Transportation Alternative Program, which was created under MAP-21. The study determines that 97 percent of funds spent in 2014 went to bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs, due in large part to MAP-21 and related policy changes. The study also finds that there are still almost $2 billion in transportation enhancements and transportation alternatives funding that are unobligated to state projects, half of which is in TAP, due to the lack of state adaptation to the new regulatory environment under MAP-21. The study reviews MAP-21, outlines transportation alternatives eligibilities and provides spending and programming analyses. For more information, link to the 2014 Transportation Enhancements & Alternatives Spending Report. (7-28-15)

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• Research Report Focuses on Transportation Planning for Active Cities

  Active Living Research has released a report addressing planning in cities for active forms of transportation to increase physical activity and overall health. The report carries out a data-centered examination of the economic, social, physical and mental health, safety and environmental benefits of an increased emphasis on active transportation by cities in the transportation planning process. This includes increased private sector investment and job growth, better air quality, higher community satisfaction for residents, lower crime rates and lower overall health care costs. Nine cities of varying sizes are used as case studies and technical expertise is offered as guidance for cities to use when carrying out active transportation efforts. For more information, link to Designed to Move: Active Cities. (7-24-15)

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• FHWA Releases Report on Access to and from Rapid Transit

  The Federal Highway Administration’s Exploratory Advanced Research Program has sponsored a study to examine the “last-mile problem” – the gap between rapid transit stations and users’ origin or destination. The study examined the impact of improved pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure, the implementation of a community shuttle and urban design techniques on rapid transit use. Through resident surveys and agent- and activity-based modeling, the study found that with certain accessibility improvements centered around walking, bicycling and automated shuttle transit, a decrease of 39 percent in car use and an increase of 34 percent in commuter rail use could be achieved. For more information, link to the report. (7-13-15)

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• Safe Routes to School Examines Transportation Equity

  Safe Routes to School has released a report on transportation equity as it relates to active transportation, namely walking and bicycling, in low-income areas and minority populations. The report posits that low-income populations and people of color use active transportation at a higher rate than upper-income Americans to access things such as work, school and daily errands, but the concentration of active transportation innovations and improvements focus on middle- and high-income communities. Among the purely transportation-centered impacts, the report finds that this also impacts health, as positive health impacts can be seen by having access to active transportation facilities. The report examines existing data, the equity movement, community issues and policies and initiatives that aim to combine active transportation and equity. For more information, link to the report. (7-10-15)

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• FHWA Posts Question/Answer Guidance on Health in Transportation

  The Federal Highway Administration has posted a frequently asked questions guidance document related to addressing health in transportation decisions and programs.  The document addresses how health considerations are addressed in transportation planning and decision-making, how transportation affects public health and opportunities for transportation to address health issues, how communities can influence transportation planning, how health is addressed in the environmental review process, tools under development to address health issues, and use of health impact assessment in transportation. For more information, link to the Q&A document on Health in Transportation. (7-1-14)

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• FHWA Evaluates Methods to Weigh Economic Benefits of Nonmotorized Transportation

  The Federal Highway Administration has released a white paper examining evaluation methods for the economic benefits of bicycle and pedestrian transportation, including cost savings, environmental and health benefits and business success. The report used case studies of Minneapolis, Toronto, New York City and Vermont and is meant to serve as a technical resource for transportation planners and advocacy groups in assessing investments in specific transportation initiatives. Among the findings is the determination that evaluation criteria should be scaled to the project being analyzed to provide an accurate picture of the economic impact. For the full study, link to the white paper.

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• Mountain-Plains Consortium Examines Small Community Bicycle Network Planning

  The Mountain-Plains Consortium has conducted research to develop bicycle network analysis tools to assist in transportation planning and forecasting for small communities. The research provides a three-part methodology to collect, model and adjust data in order to estimate bicycle demand and volumes on a network and discern the factors affecting route choice decisions, leading to informed bicycle traffic assignment. For the full report, link here. (6-19-15)

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• Study Finds Success in Safe Routes to School Program

  Active Living Research has evaluated the success of the Safe Routes to School program that began in 2005, and found that it has increased rates of walking and biking, decreased costs for health and school transport and improved safety. The program has shown to improve cardiovascular health, raise academic production and positively impact mental health, the study said. It cites examples of high return-on-investment in places such as New York City, where the implementation cost was $10 million and estimated cost reductions of $221 million were seen. The study also highlights results showing that the program truly did create safe routes to school that increased usage among children. For more information link to the full study, link to the study, Impact of Safe Routes to School programs on walking and biking. (6-18-15)

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• Bike League Announces New Round of Bicycle Friendly Communities

  The League of American Bicyclists has released its latest round of 42 Bicycle Friendly Communities to join the existing ranks of 350 communities across the country. The communities receive recognition at one of the four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum, and remain at the status for four years before renewing or elevating their status. Included in this recent round of new and renewing communities is the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe in Washington, the first Native American community to receive the award. For more information and the full list of recipients, link here.

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• Report on Web-Based Rider Feedback Issued by Transit Cooperative Research Program

  A report from the Transit Cooperative Research Program focuses on web-based tools used by customers to provide feedback to improve transit services. The report explains several types of tools, how to determine the best tools for use in a specific community and how to understand and manage feedback, including unorganized feedback on social media outlets. The report also provides specific case studies, including the Charlotte Area Transit System and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. For the more information, link to Use of Web-Based Rider Feedback to Improve Public Transit Services. (6-3-15)

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• WTI Presents Overview of Guidebooks and Standards for Federal Land Managers

  The Western Transportation Institute has constructed a web-based presentation designed to inform federal land managers of the wide array of resources at their disposal to help take advantage of bicycle and pedestrian facilities to protect the resources being accessed by visitors. The presentation walks managers through guidebooks, standards, and other materials available, informs them on how these materials can be used to inform their work with planners and engineers, and provides a case study of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park as an exercise in using these materials. Resources from AASHTO, the National Association of City and Transportation Officials and the National Park Service are highlighted. For the full presentation, link to Guidebooks and Standards: Resources to Help Solve Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenges on Federal Lands. (6-2-15)

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• American Trails Presents National and International Trails Awards

  American Trails recognized the winners of their National and International Trails Awards at the 22^nd International Trails Symposium. The awards are presented every two years and honor individuals who work on behalf of national and international trails in both rural and urban settings. Award winners were recognized for a wide variety of contributions, including public policy achievements, public awareness, technology and lifetime service. For more information and the full list of winners, link here. (5-29-15)

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• America Walks Holds Webinar on Public Spaces

  America walks held a webinar on April 23 titled “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper And Healthier,” to highlight the health outcomes that can emerge from improved walkable public spaces. The webinar featured insight from Kate Rube, of the Project for Public Spaces, and Jennifer Smith, of the Greater Kennedy Plaza, and included discussion of low-cost, high-impact ideas for public policy, safety, suburban and rural communities, street design and spaces such as farmer’s markets and active recreational amenities. For more information and a recording of the webinar, link here. (5-21-15)

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• Mineta Transportation Institute Releases Report on Bus Travel Demand

  A report examining the demand for transit travel by bus mode has been issued by the Mineta Transportation Institute. The report uses measurable statistical variables in 358 metropolitan statistical areas in the lower 48 states.  It found that seven internal variables and one external variable affect demand for bus transit, which led to the conclusion that transit authorities have a high level of control over increasing bus ridership. Internal variables over which officials have control include transit supply, transit fare, average headway, transit coverage, service intensity, revenue hours and safety. For the full report, link here. (5-21-15)

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• FHWA Releases Design Guide for Separated Bike Lanes

  A design guide on implementing protected bike lanes has been issued by the Federal Highway Administration. The Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide highlights ways that communities are implementing protected bike lanes and provides planning and design recommendations, including midblock and intersection scenarios. The guide uses specific examples from across the country to address the planning and design process, the choosing of locations, funding, maintenance, outreach and project evaluation. It also encourages ongoing research and development through the examination of different communities’ successes.  To access the full guide, link here. (5-18-15)

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• University Transportation Center Ranks Cities for Walking Accessibility to Jobs

  The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies has released a study that ranks cities by their accessibility to jobs by walking, titled Access Across America: Walking 2014, as part of the Access Across America series from the Accessibility Observatory. The study used a weighted average of accessibility to produce the rankings, giving more weight to jobs reached in less time, and details accessibility values for each metropolitan area and provides block-level maps. Topping the rankings are New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Link here for more information and the full study. (5-13-15)

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• League of American Bicyclists Releases Bicycle Friendly State Rankings

  The League of American Bicyclists has released its 2015 Bicycle Friendly State ranking, with the state of Washington continuing to lead the pack for the eighth year in a row. The rankings provide an overall ranking, state report cards and category maps. It uses scoring criteria addressing education and encouragement, infrastructure and funding, legislation and enforcement, programs and policies, and evaluation and planning. For the full list of rankings, link here. (5-11-15)

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• TRB Releases Report on Liability Aspects of Pedestrian Facilities

  The Transportation Research Board has released a digest through the National Cooperative Highway Research Program examining tort claims that arise from pedestrian facilities, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, concerning pedestrian accidents and Americans with Disabilities Act violations. The digest, Liability Aspects of Pedestrian Facilities (Legal Research Digest 65), points out that there are many more claims than are reported in the media, and not all involve large settlements, but state and local agencies must keep in mind pedestrian safety and civil rights compliance when designing streets and associated pedestrian facilities in order to prohibit costly lawsuits. The digest addresses several types of events that bring about legal claims and that must be considered, including tripping and falling in a crosswalk. For the full digest, link here. (5-5-15)

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• NACTO Releases Report on Bike Shares

  The National Association of City Transportation Officials has performed an analysis of the successes of bike share programs that focus on walkable bike station spacing. The study found that ridership increased with higher station density, a sensible layout and protected bike lanes, and determined that riders will normally walk no more than approximately 1,000 feet to access a station. To carry out the analysis, NACTO used data from Chicago, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston and Minneapolis bike share programs and also looked at successes internationally in Mexico City and Paris. According to the study, aiming for about 28 stations per square mile will yield the highest ridership. For the full report, link here. (4-28-15)

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• LadderSTEP Technical Assistance Program to be introduced at the DOT

  Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced a program that will assist seven cities in fostering transportation projects related to sustainable economic development. The program, LadderSTEP, will support transportation infrastructure to revitalize communities in Atlanta, Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Richmond. Various organizations have also expressed interest in the technical assistance pilot, such as the Urban Land Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council and Local Initiatives Support Corporation. For more information, link to the announcement. (4-23-15)

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• Guidebook Aims to Help Planners Prioritize Pedestrian, Bicycle Transportation on Existing Roads

  A tool to prioritize improvements to pedestrian and bicycle transportation has been issued as part of research conducted for the Transportation Research Board’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program. The “ActiveTrans Priority Tool Guidebook” (NCHRP Report 803) is meant to assist planners in the efficient use of resources, and is accompanied by software on a CD that uses a programmed spreadsheet for implementation of the tool. For the full guidebook and more information on the CD, link here. (4-20-15)

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• Smart Growth America Releases Model for Analyzing Financial Aspect of Urban Development

  Smart Growth America, in cooperation with RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, has released a new model, “The Fiscal Implications of Development Patterns,” which can be used to help municipalities identify the returns to the community that development generates. The model considers geography and density to take municipal costs per capita into account and uses the detailed information to offer strategies on attaining increased returns from development going forward. For more information, link to the press release and model. (4-6-15)

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• Minnesota Case Study on Counting Pedestrians, Bicyclists Posted by FHWA

  The Federal Highway Administration has released a case study addressing the impact of walking and bicycling activity on the management of transportation systems in Minnesota. This case study provides guidance for monitoring non-motorized traffic consistently throughout the state. The goal of the data collection is to inform future planning, policy and budgeting decision-making. For example, MnDOT was able to utilize data for their Towards Zero Deaths approach to reduce injuries and fatalities. For more information, link to the case study. (3-19-15)

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• FHWA Releases Community Vision Metrics Web Tool

  The Federal Highway Administration has designed a web tool that allows users to search specific performance measures related to community design and human circumstances within communities. The tool is intended to help transportation, land use and community planners in measuring success and achieving community goals. To access the tool, link to http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/tools/community_vision/index.cfm. (3-4-15)

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• FHWA Releases 2014 Recreational Trails Program Report

  The Federal Highway Administration has released its annual report on the use and benefits of Federal Recreational Trails Program funding. The report provides information about the projects funded in FY 2013 and serves as a guide to the program for trail managers and the general public. It also documents national trends and issues that are currently affecting trails. For more information and the report, link to http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/overview/report/2014/report_2014.pdf. (3-5-15)

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• Materials from AASHTO Transportation and Health Peer Exchange Available

  Materials from the AASHTO Transportation and Health Peer Exchange, held on Dec. 16, 2014, are now available on the Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO website.  The purpose of the peer exchange was to lay the foundation for future conversations among AASHTO committees, and it also allowed attendees to share experiences across planning, environment, public transportation, and safety in support of public health. For more information, including a White Paper summary and presentations, link to the Transportation and Health Peer Exchange web page. (2-27-15)

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• TRB Releases Report on Land Use in Small Communities and Rural Areas

  A handbook addressing land use and transportation-efficient growth in small communities and rural areas has been issued by the Transportation Research Board. The handbook, developed under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP Project 25-36), examined the impact of development on daily driving. The study centered around three small community and rural areas and used computer models to predict how travel would be affected in light of changes in location of employment, population growth and density and patterns of development and land use. It also included a vocabulary of land use characteristics related to these areas.  For more information, link to http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/172109.aspx. (2-12-15)

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• FHWA Issues Memo Listing Available Flexible Transportation Alternatives Funds

  The Federal Highway Administration has issued a memo notifying states of flexible excess Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds available for this fiscal year. The memo includes a list of flexible excess TAP funds available by state. Most states and the District of Columbia have at least some funds accessible to them. Eleven states have no available funding. Under MAP-21, funds that are allocated to states but that are not reserved from specific TAP programs or not otherwise obligated become available for use either on TAP-eligible projects or for any activity that has been approved for funds under Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program, at the state's discretion. The text of the memo is available at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/transportation_alternatives/guidance/flex_excess.cfm. (2-9-15)

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• U.S. DOT Announces Partnership to Expand Workforce Development

  The United States Department of Transportation and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) have announced a collaborative effort to expand youth workforce development opportunities and strengthen transportation career pathways at the state level. By collaborating with state and regional transportation agencies to use CNCS members in DOT-supported projects, states and municipalities can provide a ladder of economic and educational opportunity to disadvantaged youth, setting them on a pathway of success. For more information, Creating Access to Opportunity. (1-8-15)

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• FHWA Summarizes Pedestrian and Bicycle Activities

  The Federal Highway Administration has made available a summary of recent, ongoing and upcoming pedestrian and bicycle research and activities. The document includes initiatives taken by FHWA offices with links to research publications, project webpages and office contacts. The summary document was put together in preparation for the 2015 Annual TRB Meeting to provide insight into the planning and decision process common to building an alternative transportation system that focuses on accessibility and safety. For more information, link to Summary of Federal Highway Administration Pedestrian and Bicycle Research and Program Activities. (1-5-15)

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