Biking and Walking in Virginia
Policy for Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
In 2004 the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) adopted the Policy For Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations (2004 CTB Policy). The policy provides a framework for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians in the planning, funding, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Virginia’s transportation network. These accommodations seek to provide the public with access to the transportation network, connections to alternate modes of transportation, and allow for personal transportation regardless of age, ability or income.
With the adoption of the 2004 CTB Policy, “VDOT will initiate all highway construction projects with the presumption that the projects shall accommodate bicycling and walking.”
Governance Documents
- Department Policy Memoranda 2-12 (DPM 2-12)
- Instructional and Informational Memorandum 1.0 (IIM 1.0)
Implementation Guidance
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Decision Process for Construction Projects
- Designated Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations
- VDOT District Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Tracking
- Fiscal Year 2017 Bicycle and Pedestrian Metric Report
- Fiscal Year 2017 Appendix A - Project Details
- Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019 Bicycle and Pedestrian Metric Report
- Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019 Appendix A - Project Details
Project Scoping Worksheets
Transportation and Mobility Planning Division (TMPD) IIM 1.0 requires District Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators to provide a copy of all completed Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Scoping Worksheets (SWBPA) for the previous fiscal year to the State Transportation Planner by September 15th. Scoping Report PM-100 and the SWBPA are provided on VDOT’s Extranet Forms Database
Note: The SWBPA is required on all projects (Tier 1 and 2) and documents compliance with the 2004 CTB Policy
Information for Localities
TMPD DPM 2-12 requires localities using federal or state money to comply with the 2004 CTB Policy. All projects, including those that are locally administrated or that occur on VDOT right-of-way must comply. This is outlined on page four along with other information in the Coordination with Localities section.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Implementation Guide for Locality Involvement (PDF) outlines the different responsibilities of VDOT and local governments and how requirements differ for VDOT administered and locally administered projects. Localities are encouraged to develop bicycle and pedestrian plans which aid VDOT in selecting the appropriate accommodations when projects occur. Localities are also invited to participate in the project scoping process. A process for conflict resolution is also established along with other guidance and planning responsibilities.
Locally administered projects are required to comply with the 2004 CTB Policy for state and federally funded projects. The Locally Administered Projects (LAP) Manual, Chapter 12 Project Development section (12.1 Project Scoping) allows localities to utilize their own scoping documents to meet this requirement. Although locally managed projects are not required to use VDOT’s new scoping forms and scoping procedures, localities must document the consideration of whether bicycle and pedestrian accommodations will be provided for projects that take place on VDOT right of way or are funded by VDOT. Those decisions should be documented in project files. Localities are encouraged to work with their VDOT District Project Coordinator to ensure projects are appropriately documented.