Walking and bicycling are growing in popularity across the region, as the quality-of-life, public health, financial savings, and environmental benefits of non-motorized travel become increasingly apparent. Every day, local jurisdictions throughout the region are building new bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared-use paths, reengineering intersections, and adopting new policies to make bicycling and walking safer and more attractive for commuting and recreation.
COG and the TPB provide a forum for local planners and decision-makers to share best practices for improving non-motorized travel options in their home jurisdictions and help shape TPB’s plans, policies, and programs.
For example, the TPB Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee advised the development of the National Capital Trail Network, which was adopted by the TPB in 2020. When it is finished, the National Capital Trail Network will form a 1,400-mile, continuous network of long-distance, off-street trails, serving the entire region.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee also assisted in the development of the regional Complete Streets Policy, which was adopted in 2012. This policy encourages TPB member jurisdictions to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists in every transportation project in a manner appropriate to the function and context of the facility. TPB member agencies were also encouraged to develop their own Complete Streets policies.
The TPB promotes pedestrian and bicyclist safety through the Street Smart pedestrian and bicycle safety education campaign. The TPB also encourages bicycling through events such as Bike to Work Day, which is sponsored by the Commuter Connections program.
Technical Assistance for Walk and Bike Projects
The TPB encourages the development of better pedestrian and bicycle facilities through technical assistance programs such as the Transportation Alternatives Program, the Transportation-Land Use Connections Program, Transit within Reach, and the Regional Roadway Safety Program.
Projects which serve regional goals, such as completing the National Capital Trail Network, prioritizing Equity Emphasis Areas (EEAs), or improving walk and bike access to transit, are more likely to be funded.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the National Capital Region
Adopted by the TPB in May 2022, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan reflects the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the newest federal transportation authorization, the recently established TPB Regional Roadway Safety Program, latest available Regional Travel Survey information (2017/2018), and inclusion of evolving and emerging technology. Also, part of the 2022 plan is an interactive dashboard for locating individual projects listed in the plan. Overall, the plan identifies 1,650 major bicycle and pedestrian projects the region wishes to carry out by 2045 and shows how the planned network of “low stress” facilities will provide walk and bike access to jobs, housing, services, and transit for people of all ages and abilities.