Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation

Abstract

The Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation aims to advance the field of bicycle and pedestrian transportation through four primary mechanisms: (1) developing and pursuing a collaborative research agenda that more directly informs practice and involves students through dissertation research and fellowships; (2) translating relevant research into a format and language that is more useful to practitioners, and making that research available through technology transfer; (3) developing more holistic approaches to the education and training of planners and engineers; and (4) supporting community-based outreach and education, to promote awareness of bicycle and pedestrian issues statewide and nationally. This proposal seeks one year of start-up funding for the second objective (technology transfer). Key activities and outcomes from the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC) funding for the Initiative’s technology transfer activities include a website clearinghouse for research and evidence-based tools that is accessible and meaningful and a series of four white papers on areas of bicycle and pedestrian research that are directly relevant to professional practice and policy-making. The website increases the availability of existing resources for use by practitioners. These resources include an archive of weekly seminars sponsored by the Center for Transportation Studies at Portland State University and digests of recent research by faculty and students at Portland State University, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. In addition, the website provides information on existing undergraduate and graduate courses at all three universities, links to other academic and practice-based resources, and information on upcoming and past professional development workshops. The white papers focused on topics that are new, cross-disciplinary, and innovative, including: (1) the economic impacts of bicycle and pedestrian transportation; (2) the effectiveness of Safe Routes to School programs and other approaches to creating safe, healthy transportation options for children; (3) the effectiveness of intersection safety treatments for bicycle facilities; and (4) the mental health benefits of bicycling and walking.