Improving Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity During Rehabilitation of Existing Bridges
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC), Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants
Bridges connect destinations in communities and provide access to emergency and essential services, yet many of the nation's existing bridges do not provide safe and comfortable accommodations for people walking and biking. Bridges that lack pedestrian and bicycle accommodations can force substantial detours or sever routes entirely, discouraging or eliminating the option to walk and bike for transportation. Those who do travel on bridges without proper accommodations may increase their risk of being involved in a crash. Incorporating pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of bridge rehabilitation projects can improve safety for everyone, while providing all road users direct and safe connections to schools, jobs, parks, health care services, and other destinations.
The purpose of this white paper is to:
- Acknowledge that pedestrian and bicycle considerations should be addressed at the State, local, and regional planning levels per the USDOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Regulations and Recommendations,
- Demonstrate that providing pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of bridge rehabilitation projects is a win-win for communities for a broad range of reasons, and
- Share case studies summarizing the positive effects of providing new and improved bicycle and pedestrian connections.
