Guidance
The following guidance is recommended as a resource for State and local governments to support the implementation of best practices.
- Design Standards, FAST Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Provisions (November 16, 2023)
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Funding, Design, and Environmental Review: Addressing Common Misconceptions
- Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel: A Recommended Approach (February 28, 2000)
A Policy Statement encouraging the inclusion of facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians in all transportation projects unless exceptional circumstances exist.
- US DOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Regulations and Recommendations
This policy statement, released in March 2010, emphasizes the needs and requirements to integrate walking and bicycling into transportation systems and provides some recommendations on how to do so.
- Framework for Considering Motorized Use on Nonmotorized Trails and Pedestrian Walkways
- Preventive Maintenance Eligibility
- FHWA Order 6640.1A: FHWA Policy on Permissible Project Related Activities During the NEPA Process (October 1, 2010)
This Order clarifies the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) policy regarding the permissible project-related activities that may be advanced prior to the conclusion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
- Department of Justice/Department of Transportation Joint Technical Assistance on the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps when Streets, Roads, or Highways are Altered through Resurfacing
- Bicycle Facilities and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
- Traffic Control Sign Guidance - See the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
- Part 9. Traffic Controls for Bicycle Facilities applies to on-road bicycle facilities and to shared use paths. [HTML / PDF 1.25MB]
- The MUTCD Official Rulings is a resource that allows web site visitors to obtain information about requests for changes, experiments, and interpretations related to the MUTCD that have been received by the FHWA.
The MUTCD does not have a particular section for Pedestrian Facilities because pedestrian information is contained throughout the MUTCD.
- A Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) created A Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking to answer transportation project-related questions.
- Equestrian and Other Nonmotorized Use on Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
FHWA position statement and Related Provisions and Implications.
- Manuals and Guides for Trail Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation, and for Signs
This page has manuals and best practices guides and resources for trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation. Sources include government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
- Shared Use Paths Along or Near Freeways and Bicycles on Freeways
Responses to inquiries related to shared use paths and bicycles on, along, or near Interstate highways or other freeways.
Guidance Memorandums
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This memorandum expresses the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) support for taking a flexible approach to bicycle and pedestrian facility design. See also:
- FHWA Memorandum (February 28, 2000)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Design Guidance which was developed in conjunction with AASHTO, ITE, and other organizations calls for fair consideration of the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians in decisions affecting our nation's transportation system.
Guidance Archives
- Memorandum: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design Flexibility (August 20, 2013, Superseded on November 16, 2023)
- FHWA Guidance: Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning, Program, and Project Development (September 26, 2019, Superseded on May 19, 2023)
- FHWA Guidance: Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions of Federal Transportation Legislation (September 10, 2015, Superseded on September 26, 2019)
- FHWA Program Guidance (February 24, 1999, Updated October 22, 2008, Superseded on September 10, 2015)
- Snow Removal on Sidewalks Constructed with Federal Funding (August 27, 2008)
The memorandum address questions about maintaining pedestrian facilities, particularly during the winter season.
- FHWA/FTA Memorandum (February 6, 2006)
Flexible Funding for Highways, Transit, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Activities includes a summary of funding sources and options for transferring funds between FHWA and FTA programs.
- Memorandum: Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design Flexibility
