State Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
Resources and Information
Overview
The 1991 Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) placeda new focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety and access. This Act:
- Established the Transportation Enhancement Program, which becamethe primary funding source for bicycle and pedestrian facilities
- Mandated that state Departments of Transportation create a State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator position
According to ISTEA, the broad responsibility of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator is to promote and facilitate the increased use of nonmotorized modes of transportation. This includes developing facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists and public education, promotional, and safety programs for using such facilities.
Since 1991, Georgia DOT has worked to achieve these goals. Under the direction of the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, GDOT has developed and begun implementing
- a state bicycle plan
- a pedestrian design guide
- more than a dozen regional bicycle and pedestrian plans
- educational and safety materials
- trainings on design
- a safe routes to school program
GDOT coordinates with project managers to get hundreds of miles of bike facilities included in GDOT roadway construction projects. The Bike/Ped Program also works with various local governments, state and regional transportation, public health and safety agencies, non-profit organizations and stakeholders to promote bicycling and walking as a healthy, non-polluting, efficient means of transportation.
Contacts
For more information, please contact the State Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator at bikeped@dot.state.ga.us or call 404-631-1982.