"The establishment of well-connected walking and bicycling networks is an important component for livable communities, and their design should be a part of federal-aid project developments," LaHood wrote in the policy statement. "Walking and bicycling foster safer, more-livable, family-friendly communities; promote physical activity and health; and reduce vehicle emissions and fuel use."

LaHood cites legislation and regulations that call for including bicycle and pedestrian policies and projects into transportation plans and project development. He states that "transportation agencies should plan, fund, and implement improvements to their walking and bicycling networks, including linkages to transit."

In addition, LaHood said that U.S. DOT "encourages transportation agencies to go beyond the minimum requirements, and proactively provide convenient, safe, and context-sensitive facilities that foster increased use by bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, and utilize universal design characteristics when appropriate. Transportation programs and facilities should accommodate people of all ages and abilities, including people too young to drive, people who cannot drive, and people who choose not to drive."

The statement includes a number of recommendations regarding the development of walking and bicycling facilities:

• Considering walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes;
• Integrating bicycle and pedestrian accommodation on new, rehabilitated, and limited-access bridges;
• Setting mode-share targets for walking and bicycling and tracking them over time;
• Removing snow from sidewalks and shared-use paths; and
• Improving nonmotorized facilities during maintenance projects.

LaHood notes that appropriate facilities in a rural community might be different from a dense, urban area. But he adds, "regardless of regional, climate, and population density differences, it is important that pedestrian and bicycle facilities be integrated into transportation systems. While DOT leads the effort to provide safe and convenient accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists, success will ultimately depend on transportation agencies across the country embracing and implementing this policy."

The policy statement is available at tinyurl.com/bikespeds.

Secretary Announced Policy at National Bike Summit

LaHood described the new bicycle and pedestrian policy to attendees of the National Bike Summit last week, calling it a "sea change." The summit is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists.

"People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning," LaHood wrote this week in a posting about the summit on his "Fast Lane" blog. "This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized."

LaHood noted bicycle projects in Indianapolis and Philadelphia received federal funding last month as part of the TIGER economy recovery grants.

"Bike projects are relatively fast and inexpensive to build and are environmentally sustainable," he wrote. "They reduce travel costs, dramatically improve safety and public health, and reconnect citizens with their communities."

In other bicycling news this week, the Senate approved an amendment to a Federal Aviation Administration authorization measure that would prohibit airports from using passenger facility charges to pay for bicycle storage facilities. (see related story)