Making it Count- Bicycle/Pedestrian Data Collection as a Planning Tool for the Development of Complete Streets (cosponsored by the Active Living Transportation Network) 

Bicycle & Pedestrian Demand and Level of Service

Understanding current walking and biking conditions and the demand for bicycle and pedestrian facilities are two key aspects that many communities are seeking as they consider non-motorized transportation investments within their community.  The Non- Motorized Demand Model is a tool to estimate walking and biking trip demand on a parcel basis.  The Level of Service for walking and bicycling is based on the comfort level of the pedestrian and bicyclist on the roadway.  Both the Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) and the Bicycle Level of Service (BLOS) models were developed using input from actual pedestrians and bicyclists on various roadway segments.  The combination of these two applications provides valuable information to communities and decision-makers as they consider greater investments in non-motorized transportation options.

Active Living and Transportation Network: Harnessing Existing Resources to Link Research and Practice

This session will describe the mechanisms involved in engaging the academic community in direct research activities to benefit planning and policy development.  At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:

Part III –  Making it Count: How Complete Streets Policies Can Meet Bicycle & Pedestrian Demand

Bicycle and pedestrian counts and demand projections can be effective tools in the development of complete streets policies and the planning process to meet transportation needs.  This session will review existing policies within the region and state and explore best practices for the future.

Providing sustainable, multi-modal transportation solutions will be an essential component in creating a greener future for our communities.  Bicycling and walking are critical elements in the planning and design of a transportation system that provides for the needs of all users.  Virtually every trip begins and ends on foot and walkability is particularly important for accessing transit.  The development of complete streets policies can provide the appropriate framework to effectively incorporate and evaluate bicycle and pedestrian demand data.  Creating complete streets means transportation agencies must change their orientation toward building primarily for cars. Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation agencies routinely design and operate the entire right of way to enable safe access for all users. Places with complete streets policies are making sure that their streets and roads work for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists, as well as for older people, children, and people with disabilities.

This tour will be led by League of American Bicyclist trained riders and will combine a tour of on the ground bike facilities, a discussion of lessons learned, and discuss the intricacies of encouraging biking within a community and safe bicycling practices.  Participants will each be provided with a bike or may bring their own bike.  Participants will learn some best- management practices (programs and facilities) and techniques for overcoming hurdles to increasing participation and expanding biking within their own communities.  They will be provided a better understanding how to tap into the wide range of programs, grants, and funding sources available for both planning and implementing multi- modal projects.