US to set up $3m national pedestrian and bicycle information centre

The United States government is to spend more than $3 million to set up a national pedestrian and bicycle information centre which will focus on issues including the safety of people on bikes and on foot.

The plans were revealed by the publication last month of a Grant Opportunity by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT), reports the Washington Free Beacon.

Organisations including state and government agencies and not-for-profit bodies are eligible to apply for the funding, with up to $3,906,250 available, although the DOT expects the project to come in at $3,125,000.

The grant will be awarded “to operate a national pedestrian and bicycle information center; conduct pedestrian and bicycle research, tracking, and technical assistance activities, including safe and accessible roadway design, livability, equity, ladders of opportunity, and economics; and develop resources and provide technical support activities and research related to safety behaviors (pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists) to enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists” on US roads.

The DOT says that the centre will support its efforts “to promote an integrated, convenient, and safe transportation system for all users, with an emphasis on pedestrians and bicyclists.

It adds that it “will disseminate techniques and strategies for improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety, develop information and educational programs and products related to pedestrian and bicycle facilities, provide tracking and technical support to safety professionals at the State, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and local levels, and conduct research and technology activities for pedestrian and bicycle programs and activities.”

According to the Daily Caller, each of the 50 states of the US has a bicycle and pedestrian coordinator who reports to the FHA.

It adds that the FHA already provides funding for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center website, operated in partnership with the North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center.