 White House and U.S. DOT Raise Awareness of Human Trafficking and Prevention
The White House released a Proclamation on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, recognizing the global and national scale threat of human trafficking. The proclamation dedicates the month of January to the cause and calls for Americans to observe the roles they can play in combating all forms of human trafficking. The proclamation also encourages participation in programs and activities related to the prevention of trafficking. The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, signed in 2021, outlines the Administration’s efforts to prevent trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, and protect survivors. The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has also made efforts to prevent human trafficking through its Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking. Reports, resources, and meeting presentation slides are available, including the recent December 2023 meeting. Additional U.S. DOT efforts include a $50,000 Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award (submissions are open until March 11; view the Federal Register Notice for full details) and a counter-trafficking awareness training video tailored for the transportation sector providing indicators of human trafficking and how to report a tip.
FHWA Releases 11th Edition of Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices with Safety Updates for All Users
The Federal Highway Administration announced the publication of the 11th edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD). The MUTCD provides transportation professionals with national guidelines for implementing traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings to ensure a safe, uniform, and predictable environment for people who walk, bike, and drive. With the last update in 2009, the latest edition incorporates input from members of the public and various stakeholders across the nation and reflects changes in travel over the past decade. New pedestrian safety enhancements are available in the manual such as a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon and crosswalk marking patterns that are proven to be more visible. The updated MUTCD also supports the National Roadway Safety Strategy, which adopts a multi-layered approach with the goal of zero deaths on the nation’s roads. Additional resources and tools are forthcoming.
PHMSA Issues Safety Tips for Electric Bicycles and Scooters Powered by Lithium-Ion Batteries
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration published, “Consumer Safety Tips for Lithium-Ion Battery-Powered Micromobility Devices,” a guide providing information on best practices and safety tips for the use, care, shipping, and disposal of lithium-ion batteries powering electric bicycles and scooters. The guide offers tips for emergency situations, such as identifying a faulty battery, which could lead to fires. Additional resources on lithium battery safety are linked within the guide.
NHTSA Publishes Updated Countermeasures Guide for Highway Safety Including Sections for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued updates to the reference guide, “Countermeasures That Work,” to support State highway safety offices in selecting effective, science-based traffic safety countermeasures to address highway safety problem areas, including pedestrian and bicycle safety. The guide outlines major countermeasure strategies across 11 topic areas, with summaries of their effectiveness in terms of cost, use, and implementation time. The guide also includes key resources and references to recent research and individual studies. In its 11th edition, this is the first digital version allowing users to easily save information, with updated star ratings, and a new topic area related to alcohol and drug impaired driving.
Research Study Suggests Roundabouts are Effective Safety Treatments for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
The Minnesota Department of Transportation published the study, “Traffic Safety Evaluation of Pedestrians and Bicyclists at Roundabouts in Minnesota.” The study is an evaluation of the traffic safety effects of roundabouts in Minnesota for pedestrians and bicyclists since 2017. Researchers conducted before and after analyses comparing the safety outcomes of 95 roundabouts with the outcomes of untreated intersections. Results indicate roundabouts produced significant decreases in severe injury crashes for all roadway users; significant decreases in fatal and serious injury crashes for pedestrians and bicyclists; and decreases in total pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
Report Provides Recommendations for Communicating Safe System Approaches in Communities
The Foundation for Traffic Safety released the technical report, “A Safe System Guide for Transportation: Sharing this Approach to Lead Your Community to Action.” The Safe System approach prioritizes intentional road and vehicle design to reduce the potential for crashes and reduce crash severity. The technical report provides insights from a literature review and focus group interviews to assist local decision makers in communicating Safe System policies and engineering approaches at the community level. The report identifies key findings on effective messaging and communication centered around five themes including resonating values; showing impact; positive behavior language; shared responsibility; and a focus on practical implementation.
Study Finds Positive Correlation Between Road Lighting and Cycling Trips
The Journal of Cycling and Micromobility Research published the article, “Road Lighting and Cycling: A Review of the Academic Literature and Policy Guidelines.” The study reviewed literature and policy guidelines highlighting the relationship between road lighting and cycling to identify patterns of use. The research indicates road lighting has a positive effect on cycling trips, especially among potential and novice cyclists, suggesting an investment in road lighting may be a cost-effective method to increase active transportation participation. Researchers determined more empirical work is needed on a variety of factors including questions of optimal lighting for cyclists, lighting cost-effectiveness, and how lighting needs differ in extreme latitudes. Findings from the review of policy guidelines show that lighting in cycling infrastructure is being more frequently considered, not only for cyclists’ safety but also to make cycling more appealing and accessible at night.
 U.S. DOT Announces Awardees of $645.3 Million in Rural Surface Transportation Program Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the awardees of $645.3 million in grants for the Rural Surface Transportation Grant program. The Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program, with funding available under the combined Multimodal Project Discretionary Grant, helps rural communities complete transportation projects to improve mobility, safety, and regional economic growth. The program evaluates projects based on readiness, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with safety and mobility goals. Grants have been awarded to support 18 projects across the country, focusing on enhancing safety, accessibility, and connectivity in rural areas. One awardee, the Michigan Department of Transportation, received $14.4 million to improve non-motorized paths and improve sidewalk ramps in Traverse City, Michigan. The full list of the funded projects is available.
U.S. DOT Releases Summaries of Key Performance Indicators Used to Track Advancement of Equity
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) released summaries of the methodologies used to calculate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are part of the U.S. DOT FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan and Equity Action Plan. The Justice40 KPI Public Summary, the Cost Burden KPI Public Summary, and the Discretionary Grant KPI Public Summary act as collective resources to better understand how U.S. DOT tracks the advancement of equity across the agency.
U.S. DOT Answers Frequently Asked Questions on How Accessibility Can be Incorporated in Transportation Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the DOT Navigator webpage to help grant applicants understand requirements and best practices for incorporating accessibility throughout the transportation project planning process. U.S. DOT initiatives, guides, plans, and a range of resources are featured in the FAQ, along with the Disability Policy Priorities outlined in July 2022. By making information on accessibility more available, U.S. DOT aims to ensure that new investments in transportation are designed for all.
FHWA Case Studies Showcase Potential Approaches to Virtual Public Involvement in the NEPA Process
The Federal Highway Administration published the technical report, “Virtual Public Involvement Practices in NEPA.” The report showcases various virtual public involvement approaches in the NEPA process in eight States. The report includes successes and challenges, outreach methods for underserved populations, and lessons learned from the case studies. Fact sheets for individual case studies are available.
FHWA Winter Research Review 2024 Features Displacement Prevention Toolkit and Vulnerable Road User Resources
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty published the Winter 2024 Research Review newsletter, featuring FHWA resources, research highlights, and upcoming events. The Winter 2024 issue includes upcoming developments on a Displacement Prevention and Mitigation Toolkit with strategies to address direct and indirect displacement from transportation infrastructure investment. Other resources featured include an upcoming Vulnerability Assessment Scoring Tool to assist in developing vulnerability assessments for transportation assets and a recently released Vulnerable Road User Research Plan outlining current, planned, and future research areas.
FHWA White Paper Provides Insights and Resources for Tribal Development of Trail, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Infrastructure
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released the white paper, “Tribal Development of Trails and Other Dedicated Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure.” The paper is based on a literature review and discussions with Tribes and staff involved in the FHWA Tribal Transportation Program. The findings suggest the importance of dedicated pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in addressing Tribal challenges, which are highlighted through nine categories including coordination, funding, health, community engagement, tribal history and culture, planning, health, jobs and training, and active transportation. The Pennsy Trail, associated with the Seneca Nation of Indians, is one of five case studies showcased throughout the white paper. The paved three-mile trail improves quality of life by providing a safe, multimodal pedestrian path for community members and visitors. The white paper also includes technical assistance and funding resources that are helpful to Tribes and partner agencies.
Report Outlines Best Practices for Incorporating Equity into Competitive Grant Programs
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published the special report, “Elevating Equity in Transportation Decision Making: Recommendations for Federal Competitive Grant Programs.” The report provides insights on how to increase the emphasis on equity in U.S. Department of Transportation competitive grant programs in multiple facets through goal setting, evaluating projects, and ensuring all eligible participants can apply and implement projects competitively. Several recommendations are presented to make it easier to participate in competitive grant programs; introduce equity principles in guide proposal evaluation; prioritize community-focused projects; support the use of innovative tools to prioritize equity benefits; include equity in post-award performance evaluation; analyze participation; and support and evaluate capacity building.
Study Examines Equity of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Access to Parks and Green Space
Local Environment published the study, “Analyzing Access to Parks and Other Green Spaces on Walking, Biking, and Driving Networks Through a Socioeconomic Lens.” The study examines access to parks and green spaces for walking, biking, and driving across low-, middle-, and high-income households in the City of Albuquerque. Findings show that Albuquerque residents have equal access to parks across income levels for both pedestrian and bicycle networks. However, access to other green spaces and bike networks present inequities for low income households.
FHWA Publishes Fall 2023 Issue of Fostering Multimodal Connectivity Newsletter
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published the Fall 2023 issue of the Fostering Multimodal Connectivity Newsletter. The newsletter provides real world examples of how States, metropolitan planning organizations, and localities make multimodal investments improve safety, inclusiveness, sustainability, resilience, and support mobility integration. The Fall issue showcases a sidewalk improvement program in Missouri; an autonomous shuttle program in North Carolina; a bus rapid transit system in Florida; and a data bicycle initiative in Iowa. Article ideas for future FHWA Newsletter issues can be submitted to the main contact. Past issues are available at the FHWA Newsletter webpage.
Report Uses System Mapping Tool to Develop Countermeasures for Fatal Electric Scooter Collisions
The Collaborative Sciences Center for Road Safety published the report, “Applying the AcciMap Approach to a Fatal E-Scooter Crash: A Safe System Approach to Analyzing Micromobility.” The study conducted an analysis of fatal electric scooter collisions while using limited, publicly available data. AcciMap is a graphic analysis method that uses a hierarchical, multilevel diagram to illustrate the failures, decisions, and actions of accidents. The methodology provides a framework for future practitioners to incorporate a more systemic view of traffic safety that is consistent with the Safe Systems approach.
Spatial Analysis of Nationwide Trail Network Development Underscores Importance of Connected Infrastructure
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy released a spatial analysis of the U.S. trail network, including 150 multi-use trails developed nationwide. Accompanying the analysis are results from a national opinion poll with a sample size of 1,200 adults, including those from underserved communities, indicating significant support for improved trail networks. Respondents identified that enhanced connectivity and active transportation infrastructure via trail networks could support walking and bicycling, especially within 10-20-minute distances. The spatial findings will serve as a benchmark for network development assessment. An interactive map showcasing existing trails across the nation is also available.
Comparative Study Evaluates Bikeshare and Electric Scooter Sharing Use During COVID-19
Case Studies on Transit Policy published, “A Comparative Study of Bike-Sharing and E-Scooter Sharing Users and Services in a College Town during COVID-19.” The research explored trip characteristics and behaviors of users across bikeshare and electric scooter options in a college town and identified changes brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that average trip length for both services increased due to the pandemic, with bicycle users more likely to use bike sharing to commute.
 FHWA Publishes Guidebook Demonstrating the Role of Trails as Resilient Transportation Infrastructure
The Federal Highway Administration released a guidebook, “Trails as Resilient Infrastructure.” The guidebook focuses on best practices for planning, designing, and managing trails in the face of climate change. Trails provide the community access to the natural environments and infrastructure for active and low emission transportation but can be vulnerable to extreme weather events from droughts to flooding. This guidebook discusses strategies for project management, site selection, and construction methods to promote adaptive and sustainable trails.
FHWA Releases December 2023 Issue of Human Behavior Newsletter
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published its biannual issue of Fast Lane: Exploring Human Behavior, containing highlights from Summer 2023 to Winter 2023/2024. The newsletter features current and upcoming research at FHWA, external conferences, publications, and available laboratory tours at the intersection of human factors and transportation. Examples of research featured includes a study on enhancing vulnerable road user detection and volume data; pedestrian signing at uncontrolled crossings; exploring potential contributors to racial and socioeconomic disparities in pedestrian and bicyclist morbidity and mortality; among others.
America’s Transportation Awards’ 2023 Winning Projects Involve Active Transportation Network Expansion
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officers presented the America’s Transportation Awards 2023 Grand Prize to the Utah Department of Transportation and Utah Transit Authority for a joint project to add a new train station in fast-growing Vineyard City. The station expands access to transit and existing trails for residents and visitors allowing more opportunity for active transportation modes. Vermont’s Lamoille Valley Rail Trail won the People’s Choice Prize, after recovering from flood damage in July, a week before its proposed opening date. It is a statewide, year-round, fully accessible trail for walking, biking, skiing, and other active transit modes that connects 18 different towns.
TRB Report Identifies Critical Societal Goals in Transportation for 2024 and Beyond
The Transportation Research Board (TRB) published the report, “Critical Issues in Transportation for 2024 and Beyond.” The report provides insights from the TRB Executive Committee on how transportation can play a role in addressing societal challenges related to the environment, public health, and socioeconomic forces. The executive committee identified five societal goals and transportation’s role in achieving these goals, including mitigating and responding to climate change; promoting equity and inclusion; increasing road safety; advancing public health; and building and sustaining a strong, competitive economy. The appendix provides key knowledge gaps and contested topics for future research.
Report Examines Urban Environment Factors Contributing to Modal Shifts Toward Active Transportation
A paper from the Delft University of Technology, “Pedaling Towards Sustainable Mobility,” uses San Francisco as a case study for encouraging mode shift to e-bikes as a low emission form of transportation. The paper combines existing research on bicycle-friendly design practices and local stakeholder interviews into a framework that maps out the mobility ecosystem of the city. The paper finds that political support influences a shift to new transportation modes, and that San Francisco needs political will as well as bicycle infrastructure to scale up sustainable active transportation.
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