Design Guidance

• FHWA Memorandum (February 28, 2000)
  Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Guidance which was developed in conjunction with AASHTO, ITE, and other organizations calls for fair consideration of the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians in decisions affecting our nation's transportation system.

• Design Guidance Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel: A Recommended Approach
  A Policy Statement encouraging the inclusion of facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians in all transportation projects unless exceptional circumstances exist.
  • Supplementary Design Guidance for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects (August 30, 2000)
    Gives additional information on the exceptions to routinely providing facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians.

• A Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking
  The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) created A Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking to answer transportation project-related questions.

• Bicycle Facilities and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
  Responses to inquiries about bicycle facilities permitted by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

• Equestrian and Other Nonmotorized Use on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
  FHWA position statement and Related Provisions and Implications.

• FHWA Order 6640.1A: FHWA Policy on Permissible Project Related Activities During the NEPA Process (October 1, 2010)
  This Order clarifies the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) policy regarding the permissible project-related activities that may be advanced prior to the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

• Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails and Pedestrian Walkways
  • Memorandum: February 26, 2008
  • Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails and Pedestrian Walkways
  • List of Exceptions: There are no exceptions at this time.

• Manuals and Guides for Trail Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation, and for Signs
  This page has manuals and best practices guides and resources for trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation. Sources include government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

• Presentation: Bicycle Path Entry Control. (Ed Cox, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Sacramento, CA and Maggie O'Mara, Senior Transportation Engineer, California Department of Transportation)
  This presentation discusses methods to control entry to shared use paths. It considers issues related to bollards, gates, and other barriers. It looks at examples and discusses what works well and what doesn't.
  Disclaimer: This presentation is provided in the interest of information exchange, and reflects the views of the authors. Providing this resource does not necessarily represent endorsement by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

• Presentation: Designing for Nonmotorists. Presented at the FHWA Field Engineers Learning & Development Seminar, April 20, 2010, Dallas TX.
  • Part 1: Policy, Planning, Programs, and Provisions for Pedal-Power, Pedestrians, and Paths
  • Part 2: Highway and Street Facilities
  • Part 3: Shared Use Paths
  • Part 4: Recreational Trails
  • Part 5: Resources

• Shared Use Paths Along or Near Freeways and Bicycles on Freeways
  Responses to inquiries related to shared use paths and bicycles on, along, or near Interstate highways or other freeways.

• Preventive Maintenance Eligibility

• Shared Use Paths Along or Near Freeways and Bicycles on Freeways
  Responses to inquiries related to shared use paths and bicycles on, along, or near Interstate highways or other freeways.

• Snow Removal on Sidewalks Constructed with Federal Funding
  The memorandum address questions about maintaining pedestrian facilities, particularly during the winter season.