WTI

Promoting the Use of Bicycles on Federal Lands

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. GUIDE TO PROMOTING BICYCLING on Federal Lands
   1. Rebecca Gleason
   2. 4W1303_Final_Report.pdf

Project Objective

To encourage Federal Land Highways (FLH) partner agencies to promote the accommodation of bicycles as a means of reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and enhancing the visitors’ experience.

Project Abstract

Many Federal Lands are minimally developed natural landscapes where traffic growth has led to unacceptable levels of noise, air pollution, and congestion that detract from the natural scenic environment. For these lands, cycling and walking can complement other transit modes that reduce congestion while at the same time provide recreational opportunities. Through case histories, researchers will identify barriers Federal Land managers face to providing bicycle facilities, identify successful existing bicycling facilities, create guidelines for measuring performance of bike access on Federal Lands and create a guide of potential solutions for the barriers identified. This project will present bicycling as a mainstream rather than alternative activity, with recommendations for Federal Lands including Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Forest Service (FS), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and National Park Service (NPS) to show leadership in progressive, environmentally sensitive land management through cycling.

Task Descriptions

1. Identify Potential Solutions
   1. After interviewing land managers, bicycle advocacy groups and other about how to promote bicycling on Federal Lands, WTI will create a list of potential solutions for each of the identified barriers.
2. Initial Assessment
   1. Determine what bicycling issues are important to Federal Land Managers and what barriers exist to promoting bicycle facilities.
3. Literature Review
   1. Research will focus and synthesize the following: •Bicycle facility benefits •Bicycle facility funding sources and partnerships •Promotional methods and materials •Bicycle availability •Current bicycle policies in place for all FLMA’s
4. Case Studies
   1. Each case study compiled should analyze what works and what has not worked regarding the facility and guidelines for measuring performance.
5. Project Management
   1. WTI will facilitate regular communications with FHWA through quarterly progress reports and advisory committee meetings. The final report will summarize all tasks listed below.
6. Draft and Final Report
   1. The draft report will finalize the previous tasks and communications with stakeholders and merge them into a draft project report. The Final Report will incorporate comments from the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative and the Advisory Panel and will be produced for the Federal Highways Administration.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Federal Lands, Bicycling, Planning

Partners

FHWA, Central Federal Lands Highway Division