Bicycle and Pedestrian Program - Planning and Environment

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Program of the Federal Highway Administration's Office of Human and Natural Environment promotes bicycle and pedestrian transportation use, safety, and accessibility.

Each State has a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator in its State Department of Transportation to promote and facilitate the increased use of nonmotorized transportation, including developing facilities for the use of pedestrians and bicyclists and public educational, promotional, and safety programs for using such facilities. The State Coordinators can help you with questions specific to your State.

The FHWA Bicycle & Pedestrian Program issues guidance and is responsible for overseeing that requirements in legislation are understood and met by the States and other implementing agencies.

On this site you can find information about the amount of federal funding spent on pedestrian and bicycle projects in your state, available federal funding sources, existing legislation, and guidance about accessible design.

FHWA also sponsors resources such as the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center to provide information on a wide variety of engineering, encouragement, education, and enforcement topics. The Center was established with funding from the US DOT and is operated by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, in cooperation with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.

Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program

This program introduces a network of nonmotorized transportation infrastructure facilities in 4 selected communities (Columbia, MO; Marin County, CA; Minneapolis Area, MN; Sheboygan County, WI) that connect directly with transit stations, schools, residences, businesses, recreation areas, and other community activity centers.

In January 2008, The Secretary of Transportation submitted a cover letter and Interim Report to Congress that describes the progress and initial results of the program.

The purpose of the program shall be to demonstrate the extent to which bicycling and walking can carry a significant part of the transportation load, and represent a major portion of the transportation solution.

More information about the program can also be found at the Smart Mobility Network.

Provide Input on STEP Bicycle/Pedestrian and Health Research Topics

Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) is an FHWA-administered source of funding for research related to planning, environment, and realty for FY2006-FY2009. Stakeholder input is required to identify the research topics that should receive priority consideration for the FY 2009 STEP Research Program. We encourage bicycle/pedestrian professionals and advocates to let your voices count by taking a few moments and provide suggestions on the STEP Feedback Website for "Bicycle/Pedestrian and Health". The deadline for comments is September 22.

FHWA does not seek specific, detailed research proposals and discourages researchers from submitting proposals of that nature. Specific research work statements for this suggestion, if pursued under the STEP, would be crafted by FHWA, after careful consideration of stakeholder views.

Bicycle Commuting

Learn more about bicycle commuting and how you can be part of this transportation solution.

This section provides maps and directions for commuting to DOT headquarters in Washington DC, but also includes some general information and links about bicycle commuting.

If you are interested in commuting to the DOT Headquarters, you can find a bicycle mentor who can help you find the best route for where you live. You can also join the Bicycle Commuter Group here at DOT.

Visitors to DOT Headquarters can also find information about bicycle parking at and around the building.