 U.S. DOT Announces First Round of FY 2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Awardees
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the awardees of $82.6 million in planning and demonstration grants for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. SS4A is a competitive grant program that funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The program supports two grant types: (1) planning and demonstration grants and (2) implementation grants. The planning and demonstration grants were awarded to 235 projects to help communities develop safety action plans, inform improvements along corridors with safety issues, use strategies to test out safety features such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections, and more. Details on awarded projects are available, including a list of awards by State and an interactive map. A second announcement is expected later this year for awardees of the implementation grants.
FHWA Releases Poster Highlighting Complete Streets Federal Funding Programs Available
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released a one-page poster listing the wide range of Federal funding opportunities available for Complete Streets projects and programs that encourage safety, equity, and accessibility for all road users. The opportunities listed in the poster are hyperlinked to each program website for reference, along with a link to learn more about the FHWA Complete Streets Funding site. General information on FHWA Complete Streets initiatives and resources are available.
FHWA Calls for Greater Push Toward Zero Fatalities at AASHTO 2023 Safety Summit
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) released an article highlighting Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Shailen Bhatt’s presentation at the 2023 AASHTO Safety Summit held in Kansas City, MO. The FHWA Administrator encouraged State leadership to push further toward the goal of zero fatalities and promoted the implementation of proven safety countermeasures in States. Proven safety countermeasures include roundabouts, sidewalks, and protected bicycle lanes, among many others. More information on Proven Safety Countermeasures is available through the FHWA Highway Safety Programs website. Additional Federal transportation leaders presented at the AASHTO Safety Summit, encouraging partnership at the Federal, State, and local levels, as well as across modes and disciplines, to collectively achieve effective safety results across the nation.
FHWA Presents Poster Featuring Global Benchmarking Study on Pedestrian Safety on Urban Arterials in Australasia
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center published a poster on the FHWA Global Benchmarking Program report, “Improving Safety on Urban Arterials: Learning from Australasia.” The poster was developed to share findings from the report on approaches to reduce pedestrian fatalities and highlight how learnings from Australia and New Zealand may be applied to policies and practices in the United States. The poster was presented at the 2023 AASHTO Safety Summit in Kansas City, MO. Resources from a four-part webinar series on the report are also available, along with a summary brief to learn more about the study and findings.
FHWA Publishes Resources for Two Proven Safety Countermeasures Toward Zero Fatalities
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a video on the benefits of using speed safety cameras in school zones to reduce fatalities and injuries for all road users, particularly walking children. Speed safety cameras have shown to reduce fatalities and injuries by 47 percent and are part of the FHWA list of Proven Safety Countermeasures and strategies to achieve national safety goals. Another resource released as part of the Proven Safety Countermeasures initiative is a fact sheet on the safety benefits, applications, and considerations of bicycle lanes, which have shown to significantly reduce crashes.
Vision Zero for Youth Opens Applications for Leadership Award in Child and Youth Pedestrian Safety
Vision Zero for Youth opened the application period for the seventh annual Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award presented by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, FIA Foundation, and the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. The award is open to cities, counties, and local Tribal governments across the nation that have demonstrated progress in improving outcomes for child and youth pedestrian and bicycle safety. Aligning with the Justice40 Initiative, applicants must indicate how their programs benefit one or more underserved communities. Applications are due by December 16, 2023.
Smart Growth America Seeks Participants for Technical Assistance Program to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Smart Growth America is seeking participants for a technical assistance program to enhance data and storytelling skills with the goal of improving pedestrian safety. The program seeks individuals from local, State, or community organizations interested in learning current trends and data in traffic safety and how they relate to the health of a community; understanding the systems that inform traffic safety; learning highlights of recent successful traffic safety efforts; messaging and storytelling; and navigating barriers to achieving communities with safe, active transportation options. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute to the Dangerous by Design 2024 report, which will be released in mid-2024. The deadline to apply is November 15, 2023.
Study Compares Present Day School Travel Safety Risk with Data from Twenty Years Ago
The Center for Safety Equity in Transportation, a U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) University Transportation Center, in cooperation with the U.S. DOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration and the University of Idaho, published the report, “Assessing the Relative Risks of School Travel in Rural Communities.” The study examined how experts viewed differences in school travel safety risk for various modes, including walking and bicycling, over twenty years based on existing data and interviews with thirty transportation professionals. Results showed some concerns remain unchanged over the two decades; however, safety education programs, vehicle centric travel, community planning, and pick up and drop off safety, have shifted.
Report Explores Perceptions of Safety and Comfort in Interactions between Pedestrians and Self-Driving Vehicles
The University of British Columbia and the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology jointly published the report, “Perceived Safety and Comfort of Pedestrian Interactions with Self-Driving Vehicles: Recommendations for Responsible Introduction of Self-Driving Vehicles.” The report examines how pedestrian and self-driving vehicle (SDV) interactions are perceived by local Canadian residents, in terms of safety, comfort, and security, compared to human-driven vehicles. Findings suggest differences in perception of safety with gender, tech savviness, and emotional response to SDVs. Recommendations are also presented to provide policymakers and SDV developers with approaches to safely and comfortably introduce SDVs and policies alongside active modes of transportation.
 U.S. DOT Releases Updated Version of Meaningful Public Involvement Guide
The U.S. Department of Transportation released the second version of the guide, “Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision Making.” The guide was developed to help funding recipients meaningfully involve the public in various stages of transportation decision making as well as build their organizational capacity. The updated version of the guide, based on stakeholder feedback and questions, includes an appendix on using Federal funds for meaningful public involvement activities. The appendix also provides examples such as hiring community-based organizations; providing food at public meetings; providing childcare at public meetings; and providing financial incentives or reimbursements for participation. Public comments for the guide are accepted on a continuous basis.
FHWA Releases Report Highlighting the Equity Impacts of Shared Micromobility System Regulation and Permitting
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published the report, “Micromobility Regulations and Permitting Equity Synthesis,” which summarizes current literature and examples related to regulations and permitting that advance equity through the availability of shared micromobility options in communities. The report suggests that although micromobility systems have the potential to provide communities with safe, healthy, affordable, and reliable transportation options, effective regulation is needed to ensure meaningful improvement in equity and quality of life for underserved and disadvantaged communities. Key findings, areas for further research, and implications and priorities for FHWA based on the literature synthesis are presented in the report.
FHWA Publishes Sidewalk Mapping for Pedestrians with Disabilities Workshop Summary Report
The Federal Highway Administration Exploratory Advanced Research Program published the workshop summary report, “Exploratory Advanced Research Program Sidewalk Mapping for Pedestrian Navigation.” The workshop was based on a white paper which identified the need to define the role of government and investigate data collection methods in sidewalk mapping for pedestrians with disabilities. The summary report includes key takeaways from the workshop, main points from presentations, and the general question and answer discussion. The white paper, “Mapping and Navigation for Pedestrians with Disabilities,” is available in the workshop summary report appendix.
Report Provides Global Insights on How Reduced-Fare Programs Impact Shared Micromobility Systems
Monash University published the report, “Widening Access to Micromobility: Understanding Use of a Reduced-Fare Program in Three Countries.” The report evaluates a shared micromobility subsidy program designed for low-income users in over 30 countries. Using survey data from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, the report provides demographics, usage patterns, benefits, and challenges experienced by low-income users compared to the general customer base. Results indicate that shared micromobility systems are capable of supporting car-light or car-free lifestyles, as low-income riders use the shared systems for daily travel trips.
NCHRP Requests Proposals on Guidelines for State DOTs to Identify Communities Divided by Transportation Infrastructure
The National Cooperative Highway Research Program released a request for proposals for “Identifying and Evaluating Divided, Overburdened, and Underrepresented Communities.” The objective is to provide State departments of transportation with guidelines to identify communities divided by transportation infrastructure and evaluate the actions taken to improve, mitigate, or remove sources of division. Proposals must also include ways to promote shared efforts and synergy of transportation practitioners and community members. Proposals are due no later than 5:00 PM ET on December 4, 2023.
FHWA Video Series Highlights Innovative Virtual Public Involvement Approaches
The Federal Highway Administration released a set of videos highlighting how the Virtual Public Involvement (VPI) initiative is institutionalized within State and local agencies. The VPI initiative is part of the Every Day Counts program, which is dedicated to helping State departments of transportation (DOTs), metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), and local agencies advance practice-ready and proven innovations into everyday use. The videos include a VPI Capstone Video and three VPI documentaries focusing on the Massachusetts DOT, the Missoula MPO, and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. These videos are part of a larger playlist, which also feature the Idaho Transportation Department, Florida DOT, and New Mexico DOT.
AARP Releases Toolkit for Improving Bicycle Infrastructure Safety and Accessibility
AARP Livable Communities and the League of American Bicyclists jointly released a Bike Audit Toolkit. The toolkit helps local stakeholders assess the bicycle safety and accessibility of roadways in their community. A breakdown of the process is provided, including recommendations for auditing activities, details to focus on, and a cycling streetscape vocabulary list. A bike audit serves to educate the community on street design that supports convenient bicycle parking, access to transit, and highlights needed areas of improvement. A video on the toolkit is available through the League of American Bicyclists YouTube channel. The Bike Audit Toolkit complements the previously released Walk Audit Toolkit.
PeopleForBikes Announces Nationwide Electric Mountain Bicycle Policy Database Tool Available
PeopleForBikes launched the Electric Mountain Bike Policy Database, a tool to provide users with access to existing electric bicycle policies across the United States. The database includes policies relating to electric bicycle use on trails, multi-use paths, and other multimodal infrastructure, and offers a view into the varying policy approaches across geographies. PeopleForBikes encourages users to explore the database and provide feedback or updates as regulations surrounding electric bicycles evolve.
Study Analyzes Regulations of Dockless Shared Micromobility Services
McGill University published the research study, “Shared Micromobility in North America: Exploring Current Regulation.” The study compares the policy implementation of three major North American cities (Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Chicago) to regulate dockless shared micromobility services. Findings indicate that regulatory frameworks of the studied cities are similar and the programs have similar administrative burdens that arise due to high concentrations of private operators.
Study Outlines Benefits and Costs of Sidewalk Network Investment
The Victoria Transport Policy Institute published the study, “Completing Sidewalk Networks: Benefits and Costs.” The report references case studies to estimate sidewalk spending levels and the additional investments needed to complete local sidewalk networks. The report indicates most communities lack complete sidewalk networks despite an increasing trend in walking demand. Potential funding options are provided with the suggestion that transportation practitioners should prioritize investment in sidewalks to achieve economic, social, and environmental benefits.
 FHWA Presents Shared Micromobility Policy, Research, and Opportunities
The Shared-Use-Mobility Center showcased a presentation by the Federal Highway Administration Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty to the Innovative Transit Micromobility working group on Federal policy, research, and funding opportunities for shared micromobility. The presentation covered the topics of micromobility knowledge and policy gaps, impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and examples of Federal funding opportunities for micromobility projects. A video of the presentation is available.
U.S. Forest Service and American Trails Solicits Applications for $1.5 Million Legacy Trails Grant Program
The U.S. Forest Service and American Trails seek applications to the Legacy Trails Grant Program. This program is funded up to $1.5 million per year for 5 years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and supports partner trail projects that further the Legacy Roads and Trails criteria on National Forest System trails. Under the Legacy Trails program, the U.S. Forest Service aims to carry out storm damage risk reduction, including deferred maintenance, repairs, road and trail relocation, and associated activities on roads, trails, tunnels, and bridges. The application deadline is December 1, 2023. For more information about the application process, review the pre-application webinar and the 2023 Awardee list.
Institute for Transportation Development Policy Announces 2023 Sustainable Transport Award Winner
The Institute for Transportation Development Policy, along with the Sustainable Transport Award Committee, annually recognize a global city for implementation of innovative and sustainable projects that improve resident mobility; reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution; and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety and access. Paris, France has been selected as the Sustainable Transport Award winner for 2023 due to its commitment to refining transportation system interventions adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key interventions implemented include transforming high-volume arterial roads into pedestrian streets with limited motorized vehicle access and creating more permanent bicycle lanes and facilities. Honorable mention locations for this award are Bhubaneswar, India, and the State of Jalisco, including the city of Guadalajara, Mexico.
Rocky Mountain Institute Launches Electric Bicycle Environmental and Economic Impact Assessment Calculator
The Rocky Mountain Institute released an E-Bike Environment and Economics Impact Assessment Calculator geared towards policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders seeking to assess the impact of electric bicycles as a substitute for short vehicle trips. The environment and economic impact assessment includes reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants; reductions in vehicle miles traveled for short vehicle trips and total trips within a given city; and consumer economic savings due to reduced driving. The tool also estimates the impacts of electric bicycle incentive programs.
Global Report Explores Challenges and Solutions of Interurban Cycling Infrastructure
The Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC) published the report, “Biking for the Future: A Study of Interurban Cycling Infrastructure and How to Move Forward.” The report provides a global perspective on the goals, challenges, solutions, and benefits of low and middle-income as well as high-income country interurban bicycling infrastructure. A literature and data review, general study, and ten case studies inform findings and recommendations for a range of stakeholders of interurban bicycling infrastructure. Findings from case studies and interviews suggest that budget allocation is one of the greatest challenges in transforming transportation infrastructure toward more active modes.
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