Non-Motorized Planning
Introduction
Moving a pedestrian or bicycle improvement project forward can be a challenging and complex endeavor. Often this is due to the number of different ways a project can be implemented.
The most difficult part of getting a project moving is knowing where to start. Because every community may have different priorities as well as physical, fiscal and political considerations, the important thing is to just start somewhere.
— Bruce Burgess, Strategies for Implementing Pedestrian and Bicycle Plans and Projects
The following information has been excerpted from the Selecting Roadway Design Treatments to Accommodate Bicycles
Federal Bicycle Policy
The two basic policy alternatives are: (1) to accommodate current bicycle use and/or (2) to increase the level of use. A review of recent policy statements by Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration makes it clear that the Federal policy goal for bicycling is to accommodate current use and to encourage increased use, while enhancing safety.
Bicyclist Types
Cyclists | % of total | Characteristics | Prefers |
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Type A Advanced | 5% |
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Type B Basic | 95% |
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Type C Children |
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Best Designs
Cyclists | General Best Practice |
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Type A | Design all roadways to accommodate shared use by bicycles and motor vehicles:
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Type B and C | Design a network of neighborhood streets and designated bicycle facilities:
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Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel: A Recommended Approach, a US DOT Policy
Statement
Bicycle Facilities Reference Guide, National Center on Bicycling and Walking
Transportation Prescription for Healthy Cities, Ian Lockwood, P.E.
On-Road Bike Facilties Funding
Transportation Enhancements (TE) Grants
Local CMAQ – The Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality Program is a federal program with the purpose of helping states meet the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. Grants are made based on applications from state and local agencies. This portion of funds goes to local road and transit agencies, other CMAQ funds go to MDOT and are part of the ?Trunkline total.
Trunkline CMAQ – This is a federal program with the purpose of helping states meet the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. Grants are made based on applications from state and local agencies. Projects for this program occur mostly in MPO areas and can be found in the individual TIPS.
Local Highway Safety – The Local Safety Program is funded with a set aside of STP funds for local safety improvements selected on a competitive basis statewide. Project grants are generally about $200,000 per project plus match and are sometimes supplemented with other local funds.
Local Rail/Highway Crossings – The local rail crossing program is funded with a statutory set aside of state and federal funds for the purpose of improving safety at rail/highway crossings.
Recreation Heritage Routes – Woodward Avenue is a designated route.
Act 51 – All county road commissions, cities and villages in Michigan are required to spend 1% of their state fuel tax allotment on non-motorized facilities.
Bikes Belong – A bike industry organization
DALMAC Fund – A private funding source from a prominent cycling club
Cool Cities – An initiative from the Governor’s office
General Road Funding
Information on the Oakland County Federal Aid Task Force