If the link above doesn't play on your computer, go to the Colorado Matters website and listen to audio file or podcast on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 Titled: CDOT Boosts Planning for Bikes and Pedestrians.
COLORADO BICYCLE POLICY PASSES!
The Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) Transportation Commission adopted a groundbreaking statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy on Thursday, October 15.
The new policy directs that, "...the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians shall be included in the planning, design, and operation of transportation facilities, as a matter of routine..."
Division of Transportation Development Director Jennifer Finch stated, "This is a change in philosophy for the Department [of Transportation]."
The policy was moved by Commissioner George Krawzoff and seconded by Commissioner Steve Parker, leading to unanimous votes of support from all 11 commissioners.
Praise for CDOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Betsy Jacobson's diligent work on the policy was heard from Bicycle Colorado, Ms. Finch, and the Commissioners.
Bicycle Colorado's Executive Director Dan Grunig said, "Bicyclists have helped pass positive legislation and overturn bike bans, but this policy may be the biggest step toward bicyclists being treated as legitimate road users."
TWO YEAR PROCESS Bicycle Colorado worked with CDOT for a number of years encouraging a formal bicycle and pedestrian policy. The Commission instructed CDOT staff in 2007 to begin evaluating its bicycle and pedestrian policies and practices. They convened a series of stakeholder meetings to determine areas to be addressed in policy and procedures. The resulting policy is a product of the input of all the stakeholders representing other state departments, local governments, and user groups. CDOT staff did a thorough job, gathering input from all their internal departments and divisions throughout the process.
NEXT STEPS Adoption of this policy is a big step but there is still work to do. Implementation is the key to the policy's success. Executive Director Russ George and the Executive Management Team will issue a Procedural Directive in the next couple of months detailing implementation plans.
The Directive will guide CDOT departments on how to incorporated bicyclist and pedestrian needs into road design, maintenance, transportation planning, education, etc. It will also detail the circumstances when project may opt out of the policy and how that decision will be made available to the public. Bicycle Colorado will continue to participate in the process to ensure positive results for bicyclists.
THANKS TO MEMBERS The reason Bicycle Colorado was able to devote years of time and resources to this campaign was the financial support of our members and donors. Your gifts produce results for better bicycling. Thank you!
TWO YEAR PROCESS
THANKS TO MEMBERS
