 | (9)Work cooperatively with MPO and LDD staff to identify opportunities to improve conditions for bicyclists in tourist areas of the state. Particular attention will be given to:
Providing shoulders on state highways in rural tourist areas.
Developing and signing long distance routes for bicyclists.
(10) Work cooperatively with MPO, LDD and rural communities to identify the opportunities to improve the safety and access for bicyclists and pedestrians on state highways that are the main street in rural com-munities. Where appropriate, consideration will be given to:
Adding shoulders if none exist.
Striping bicycle lanes.
Constructing or improving sidewalks in retail areas, school zones,and residential developments.
Providing pedestrian crosswalks and/or refuge islands.
(11) Work cooperatively with MPO, LDD and city transportation agencies to review the opportunities to improve the safety and access of bicy-clists in college towns and campuses. Particular attention will be given to:
Providing bicycle lanes and other facilities on state routes that pro-vide access to college campuses and major educational facilities.
Long Term Actions
(12) Expand program to make appropriate state transportation facilities bicycle/ pedestrian compatible.
Performance Measures
Number of projects programmed and number of kilometers (miles) that increase compatible roadways in target areas for bicycle/pedes-trian improvements.
Goal #2
Plan, design, construct and maintain new and improved transportation facilities to accommodate and encourage appropriate use by bicyclists and pedestrians.
Objective # 2a
Design new construction projects with the intent they will be used by bi-cyclists and pedestrians and that they will share the roadway with motorists.
Short Term Actions
(1)Issue a Strike-Off letter which incorporates a minimum level of accommo-dation into the design guidelines used for all highways and bridges on which bicycles and/or pedestrians are legally allowed to operate. Currently Chapters 6 and 16 in PENNDOT's Design Manual refer to bicycle designs. However, these guidelines need to be part of nonnal design practices.
Mid Term Actions
(2)Amend current Highway and Bridge Design Manuals to reflect the above standards and to include references to bicycling and walking throughout the manuals where appropriate.
(3)Adopt revised guidelines for the development of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The guidelines will:
incorporate the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and the FHWAs Selecting Roadways Treatments to Accommodate Bicyclists.
be incorporated into Chapters 6 and 16 of PENNDOTs highway design manual.
be submitted to the Department of Conservation and Natural Ressurces to ensure consistent trail design and that trails are properly integrated with the highway system.
be distributed to MPOs and LDDs to ensure consistent designs are used throughout the State.
Performance Measures
. Percent of highways that have the minimum level of accommoda-tion, either a 4.2 meter (14 foot) right hand travel lane or a 1.2 meter (4 foot) shoulder.
Percent of highways built since 1996 that have the minimum level of accommodation.
Percentage of roadways with adequate sidewalks.
Linear feet of sidewalks constructed.
Objective #2b
Develop and implement a process to ensure the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians are adequately addressed in the planning and design of new and improved transportation facilities and services.
Short Term Actions
(1)Establish an internal Task Force to review the Department's current policy on sidewalks, lighting and signals for pedestrians. This Task Force will investigate the legal and financial implications of revising current policies and recommend options for the Department to follow to provide these facilities.
(2) Define the role of the District bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in the planning and design process.
(3)Continue to actively encourage local, city and county governments to provide sidewalks in conjunction with all ongoing highway and development projects.
(4)Actively participate and cooperate in the development of local, county and regional bicycle and pedestrian plans through the District bicycle and pedestrian coordinators.
(5) Develop and/or distribute guidance on the development of bicycle and pedestrian plans to all levels of local governments.
Mid Term Actions
(6) Develop a planning process to identify key bicycle and pedestrian corridors where more than minimum accommodation is appropriate. This planning process will include:
an evaluation of the existing suitability of roadways for bicycle and pedestrian travel identification of significant gaps in the existing system that will be improved
the key bicycle and pedestrian target areas identified by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Long Term Actions
(7) Provide facilities in key corridors which will enable pedestrians and bicy-clists of all skill levels to operate. Facilities such as bike lanes, shoulders, trails in separate rights-of-way and direct, signed bicycle routes will be con-sidered in these locations. Sidewalks will also be provided in accordance with PENNDOT's adoption of policies recommended by the Task Force.
Performance Measures
Kilometers (miles) of continuous bicycle and pedestrian compatible roadways.
The percentage of new highway construction or reconstruction plans that include facilities such as bike lanes, shoulders, trails.
Volume count of bicyclists and pedestrians in targeted areas.
Additional mileage of new bicycle and pedestrian paths.
Objective #2c
Make intermodal transportation facilities, such as airports, ports, park and rides, rail and transit systems accessible to bicyclists and pedestrians.
Short Term Actions
(1)Meet the minimum guidelines for bicycle/pedestrian compatibility on highway projects serving intermodal transportation facilities. In addition, incorporate bicycle and pedestrian amenities such as secure bicycle parking, protection from the weather, seating and other facilities to accommodate people on foot, into the design of these facilities.
Mid Term Actions
(2)Provide hooks, racks or other devices to carry bicycles on transit vehicles when new
projects are proposed and when eligible for funding.
Long Term Actions
(3)Develop a methodology for evaluating and providing pedestrian ac-cess for a distance
of 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) from the intermodal fa-cility and providing bicycle access for 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) from the facility.
Performance Measures
Number of transit facilities and services that are bicycle/pedestrian friendly and contain such facilities as bike storage, shelters.
Percentage of non-compatible infrastructure.
Goal #3
Provide technical assistance, training and leadership to support local jurisdictions in im-proving conditions for bicycling and walking.
Objective # 3a
Demonstrate leadership to all levels of government in the Commonwealth by producing state-of-the-practice guidance documents, model programs and procedures, and training opportunities for state, regional, metropolitan and 10-cal'engineers and planners.
Short Term Actions
(1)Distribute guidelines for designing and planning bicycle and pedestrian facilities that can be used by engineers and planners at all lev-els of government.
Mid Term Actions
(2)Develop training programs in the areas of bicycle and pedestrian facility planning and design to complement these guidelines.
(3)Support and/or assist other state, regional and local agencies including the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Depart-ment of Commerce in developing a range of model documents to assist with:
land use and zoning regulations which can encourage bicycling and walking.
bicycle parking ordinanc. developer dedication agreements ensuring railroad abandonment opportunities are assessed for bicycling and walking potential development, subdivision and building codes which can ensure bicycle and pedestrian friendly development
Performance Measures
Number of technical reports and guidelines handed out and additional versions of successful projects implemented.
Number of training programs conducted annually which focus on guidelines for designing and planning bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Number of individuals receiving instruction.
Objective #3b
Encourage MPOs, LDDs, cities and counties to continue to develop and implement plans for bicycle and pedestrian networks in targeted areas of the state.
Mid Term Actions
(1) Work with MPOs and LDDs to encourage the development of local bicycle/pedestrian plans and networks as part of community planning efforts and transportation planning work programs.
2) Investigate establishing a fund for demonstration projects to test high-way designs, planning and design techniques and other bicycle and pe-destrian initiatives that are new to Pennsylvania communities, such as European-style traffic reduction (traffic calming) and integrating bikes with transit vehicles.
Performance Measures
Number of communities which are including the specific targets of the comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian master plan in their local comprehensive plan.
Number of communities that complete bicycle/pedestrian plans.
Objective #3c
Develop an internal structure and philosophy which promotes bicycle and pedestrian planning and engineering by strengthening the working re-lationships between state agencies and all levels of government.
Short Term Actions
(1) Establish an internal bicycle and pedestrian transportation steering com-mittee to coordinate the work of districts, the Center for Program Develop-ment and Management, the Bureau of Design, the Bureau of Maintenance and Operation, the Bureau of Highway Safety, Traffic Engineering and the Bureau of Environmental Quality, District representatives and Chief Counsel.
(2)Strengthen the role of the District bicycle and pedestrian coordina-tors by providing clear job descriptions, and by offering training and greater support from District Engineers.
Mid Term Actions
(3) Assume a leadership role through PENNDOT's Center for Program Development and Management in promoting bicycle and pedestrian plan-ning, particularly by establishing and promoting partnerships between PENNDOT district offices, MPOs and LDDs. These partnerships will en-courage and assist communities with the development of plans and pro-grams to improve conditions for bicycling and walking.
Performance Measures
Number of PENNDOT assisted projects for biking and walking at local level.
Percent of District staff having received training on bicycle/pedestrian issues and guidelines.
Objective #3d
Become a central resource and clearinghouse for information on bi-cycle and pedestrian program information.
Mid Term Actions
(1) Develop and maintain a statewide directory of organizations and in-dividuals involved in bicycle and pedestrian programming, planning and engineering for use at all levels of government.
Long Term Actions
(2) Work with user groups and the private sector to conduct an annual statewide conference and occasional regional symposiums to assist local governments with bicycle and pedestrian planning, engineering and program activities.
Performance Measures
.Number of resources or publications which include substantial infor-mation on bicycle/pedestrian issues.
Goal #4
Implement education and enforce-ment programs to reduce crashes involving bicyclists and
pedestrians by at least 10 percent over the next 20 years and to provide a bet-ter sense of safety d security for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Objective #4a
Coordinate and oversee a wide range of education and enforcement activities such as driver licensing and training, bicycle and pedestrian safety education, traffic law enforcement and the provision of public service infor-mation, to provide consistent safety messages and training to all road users.
Short Term Actions
(1) Establish an interagency and non-governmental Task Force on bicycle and pedestrian education and enforcement. Membership will include PENNDOT staff, Deputy of Safety Administration, representatives of the Legislature, Governor's Office, Departments of Health, Education, and Conservation and Natural Resources, the American Automobile Association, American Acad-emy of Pediatrics, law enforcement agencies, consumer advocates, the bi-cycle and pedestrian community and others.
(2) Constitute and work, through the Task Force, with the State Bicycle Advi-sory Committee and submit an annual report to the Governor at the end of each state fiscal year. The initial goal of this task force will be to detennine the responsibilities of the various agencies and identify funding sources.
Performance Measure
Designation of Task Force.
Number of organizations, agencies or individuals receiving basic bike! pedestrian planning material (directors of groups and individuals in-volved in bike/pedestrian planning, design guidelines).
Objective #4b
Improve bicycle handling skills and teach safer walking strategies through education and training opportunities.
Short Term Actions
(1) Review appropriate curriculum, through the Educational Task Force, dealing with bicycle and pedestrian safety, including those from the health, safety, wellness, physical education and life skills components of the curriculmn, to ensure the bicycle and pedestrian information is consistent and addresses the primary causes of crashes.
(2)Review by the Education Task Force of a sample of materials currently being used for corporate wellness programs and employer-based trip reduction programs throughout the state.
Mid Term Actions
(3) Develop and make available, through the Educational Task Force, sample materials which include safety messages and promotional ideas relating to bicycling and walking, such as the importance of riding with traffic and using lights at night. As the materials used in these programs are aimed primarily at motorists, they represent a unique opportunity to teach mo-torists how to share the road safely with bicyclists and pedestrians.
(4) Identify, through the Educational Task Force, the people who are currently delivering bicycle and pedestrian safety instruction to children and review the training they are given prior to perfonning this impor-tant task. Recommendations will be made to ensure instructors have the most current infonnation on bicycle and pedestrian safety, and that they are delivering consistent safety messages.
(5)Develop a program to train American Academy of Pediatrics project staff and local Comprehensive Highway Safety Coordinators in each county within the next 18 months. The program will enable them to train teachers to deliver comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian safety education to their students.
Long Term Actions
(6) Identify, through the Task Force, appropriate delivery mechanisms both through the school system and outside the school system. The Texas bicycle education program, recently created by the state legislature, is an innovative approach which ensures every child in the state has ac-cess to bicycle safety education and should be used as a model.
(7) In addition to teaching basic bicycle handling skills, teach children the im-portance of riding with traffic, following traffic control devices and entering traffic in a safe manner. The program can also be used to introduce chil-dren to the health and other benefits of bicycling and walking.
Performance Measure
Number of public awareness programs geared toward children, motorists, etc. . Amount of funds directed toward education each year.
Objective #4c The training of drivers should be expanded to promote sharing the
road with bicyclists and pedestrians.
Short Term Actions
(1) Assess, through the Education Task Force, the attitude of motoristsand bicyclists towards bicycling and walking and review their knowl-edge of bicycle and pedestrian related laws. The results of the sur-vey will help identify goals for motorist education and information. In particular, the survey will be useful in determining how and why motorists react to the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians.
(2)Review and prepare amendments to all driver training materials to ensure adequate coverage of bicycle and pedestrian safety issues through the Task Force. For example, specific questions and case studies involving bicyclist and pedestrians will be included in the driving test and in driving classes for offenders.
Mid Term Actions
(3)Develop a specific bicycle and pedestrian module for driver's instructors in their classes in conjunction with the Safety Administration Deputate as the lead agency. The module will include strategies for sharing the transporta-tion system safely with bicyclists and pedestrians, relevant exam questions and other technical support material.
(4)Review, through the Education Task Force, the certification and training program for driving instructors and examiners to ensure they are trained to teach appropriate strategies for the shared use of the transportation system by motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. A continuing education ele-ment will be developed to ensure veteran instructors receive this training.
Performance Measures
. Percentage of licensed motorists receiving bicycle/pedestrian training.
Objective #4d
Improve enforcement of laws to prevent dangerous and illegal behavior by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Mid Term Actions
(1)Identify and develop, through the Educational Task Force, enforcement strategies and programs for bicyclists aimed at:
wrong-way riding
riding out into traffic
ignoring traffic control devices
riding at night without lights
(2)Identify and develop, through the Task Force, enforcement strategies to counteract actions by motorists that cause bicycle and pedestrian crashes and deter people from bicycling and walking, including:
improper turning movements
tailgating
passing too close
excessive speed
ignoring traffic control devices
failure to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
Performance Measures
Number of citations issued to bicyclists/pedestrians.
Number of citations issued to motorists.
Goal #5
Promote acceptance and welcome bicy-clists and pedestrians as users of the transportation system.
Objective # 5a
Establish policies and programs which will encourage bicycling and walk-ing throughout the Commonwealth and raise the profile and awareness of the benefits of these two modes of transportation.
Short Term Actions
(1) Encourage state and key officials representing the state; Le., the Governor, Secretary of Transportation and Deputy Secretaries, to increase the profile given to bicycling and walking by including references to the two modes in speeches, official publications and public appearances. Bicy-cling and walking can benefit substantially from being depicted as every-day, normal activities by opinion leaders such as these. Issue regular news stories and information about bicycling and walking from the Com-munications Office of PENNDOT and other agencies.
Mid Term Actions
(2)Review official state publications developed for the motoring public, such as highway maps, brochures, tourist information, roadside infor-mation and safety literature and ensure that they include one or more of the following types of information about bicycling and walking:
encouragement for motorists to share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians
reminder of the legal responsibilities motorists have towards pedestrians
information about the opportunities for bicycling and walking
"how to" information of safe walking and bicycling strategies
(3)Work with the state bicycle advisory committee to review and exam-ine the state's vehicle code in response to on-going needs and current issues.
(4)Encourage police departments to operate bicycle-mounted police patrols. In communities across the country Police on Bikes programs have been hugely successful in fighting street crime and improving the public image and profile of bicycling as a mainstream activity.
Performance Measures
Number of police on bicycle programs.
Number of official publications about bicycling and walking.
Objective #5b
Develop programs to increase awareness of benefits by bicycling and walking.
Mid Term Actions
(1)Work with the Bicycle Federation of Pennsylvania, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and other statewide and regional interest groups to develop and pro-mote bicycling and walking action plans. The action plans would highlight, and provide information on how to implement, strategies for successful bi-cycle and pedestrian programs at the local level. In particular, emphasis will be given to getting local advisory committees and bicycle coordinator positions in place.
(2) Encourage bicycle and pedestrian user groups to take the lead in pro-moting bicycling an walking through events, publicity, public service announcements and other promotional activities. Where appropriate,PENNDOT, other state agencies, MPOs and LDDs will support these ac-tivities with resources and publicity.
Performance Measures
Number of new bicycle and pedestrian programs promoting increased participation.
Number of public awareness programs.
Objective #5c
Become a model employer for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Short Term Actions
(1) Conduct a bicycle and walk to work day in the state complex.
Midterm Actions
(2)Implement a Cooperative Commuter program to:
encourage employees to bicycle and walk to work
provide sample materials and information that other employers
can use to promote bicycling and walking
ensure bicycling and walking are promoted as available options for reducing motor vehicle trips
(3)Increase the level of bicycle and pedestrian commuting to their offices through a combination of incentive programs, provision of parking and changing facilities, and promotions - such as bike to work events.
Performance Measures
Number of PENNDOT staff or offices initiating programs to increase bi-cycle and pedestrian usage.
Number of employees commuting to work by bicycle or walking. |