How to Be Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Planner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 13, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The lack of effective pedestrian and bicycle traffic planning can lead to serious consequences for cities. Without proper infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes or sidewalks, cyclists and pedestrians are at greater risk of injury or death due to motor vehicle traffic. Furthermore, cities with inadequate pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure are less attractive to visitors, resulting in a decrease in tourism revenue.

In addition, a lack of safe and efficient transportation options can lead to higher levels of congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. To prevent these negative effects, cities must invest in comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans that create safe and convenient pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. Such plans should include infrastructure improvements, educational programs, and enforcement of traffic laws to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all citizens.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Planner is to obtain a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field. This degree program should include classes in transportation planning, traffic engineering, and land use planning.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. After completing your degree, it can be beneficial to gain some relevant work experience. This could include internships in the field of transportation planning, or part-time work in a related industry.
Consider Professional Certifications. Professional certifications are not always required, but they can help you stand out from the competition and show employers that you have specialized knowledge in the field of pedestrian and bicycle traffic planning.
Get Licensed. In most states, Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Planners are required to be licensed, either as a civil engineer or as a professional planner. Depending on the state, the licensing process may involve taking an exam and/or submitting an application and fee.
Network and Find Job Opportunities. Networking is a great way to find job opportunities in the field of pedestrian and bicycle traffic planning. Contact local government agencies, private firms, and non-profits to learn about potential openings and make connections with hiring managers. Additionally, keep an eye out for job postings on job boards and other websites.

The best way to keep up-to-date and competent as a pedestrian and bicycle traffic planner is to stay informed about the latest developments in infrastructure design, safety laws, and technological advances. By attending industry seminars and conferences, reading relevant trade journals, and following the most recent best practices, planners can ensure that their knowledge and skills remain current. Additionally, it is important to work closely with local and state governments, transportation agencies, and community members to learn about the unique needs of a given area and how to best accommodate them. By staying informed and collaborating with key stakeholders, planners can ensure that their plans are both effective and safe for pedestrians and cyclists.

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Job Description

Develop and implement pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans for cities, towns, and other municipalities.
Research and analyze existing pedestrian and bicycle traffic patterns.
Make recommendations for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Monitor progress of projects related to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Work with other city departments to coordinate efforts related to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Work with local businesses and community organizations to increase awareness of pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Communicate with the public to answer questions and provide information on pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans.
Prepare reports, presentations and other materials related to pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans.
Prepare grant applications for funding related to pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans.
Develop data collection tools for measuring the impact of pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of local and regional transportation networks.
Understanding of pedestrian and bicycle traffic patterns.
Ability to assess existing infrastructure and identify deficiencies.
Ability to develop strategies and solutions to address existing issues.
Knowledge of relevant regulations and codes.
Familiarity with urban planning principles and concepts.
Ability to create plans that promote safe and efficient pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Ability to collaborate with stakeholders and community members.
Understanding of the environmental impacts of transportation systems.
Knowledge of traffic engineering and operations principles.
Proficiency in the use of computer-aided design (CAD) tools and GIS software.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The ability to plan for pedestrian and bicycle traffic is an important skill to have. The key elements in this planning include creating efficient routes, ensuring safe and comfortable access, and understanding the needs of the users. In addition, planning for pedestrian and bicycle traffic requires an understanding of the existing infrastructure, such as roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks.

Furthermore, planners need to have knowledge about local traffic laws, regulations, and safety protocols that affect pedestrians and cyclists. Finally, the ability to collaborate with stakeholders such as residents and business owners is essential in order to create a plan that is successful and beneficial for everyone involved.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with pedestrian and bicycle traffic planning?
How would you plan for an area with high pedestrian and bicycle traffic?
How do you ensure that the pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans you create are safe for all users?
Describe a project that you have worked on in the past that involved pedestrian and bicycle traffic planning.
What strategies do you use to incorporate public input into your pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans?
What methods do you use to evaluate the effectiveness of a pedestrian and bicycle traffic plan?
What challenges have you encountered while developing pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans?
How do you ensure that your pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations?
How do you collaborate with other stakeholders when developing pedestrian and bicycle traffic plans?
What strategies do you use to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety in your plans?

Common Tools in Industry

Streetmix. Streetmix is an online tool that allows users to design model streetscapes based on real-world data. It can be used to quickly create pedestrian and cycling friendly streetscapes, making it an ideal tool for planning bicycle and pedestrian traffic. (Example: https://streetmix. net/)
Pedestrian-Bicycle Network Planner (PBPlan). PBPlan is a web-based planning tool that provides users with tools to plan, analyze, and visualize pedestrian and bicycle networks. It offers the ability to overlay existing infrastructure with proposed improvements to identify gaps in pedestrian and bicycle access. (Example: http://www. pbplan. org/)
Walk Score. Walk Score is a tool that measures the walkability of an area, providing a walkability score for a given location. This can be used to identify areas that are already pedestrian and bicycle friendly, or areas that may need improvement. (Example: https://www. walkscore. com/)
Autodesk InfraWorks. Autodesk InfraWorks is a powerful 3D modeling tool that can be used to design pedestrian and bicycle pathways. It provides GIS data, as well as topographic and aerial imagery, allowing users to create realistic models of their proposed projects. (Example: https://www. autodesk. com/products/infraworks/)
RideAmigos. RideAmigos is a software platform that allows users to plan, promote, and track active transportation programs. It provides an interactive map of existing cycling and walking paths, allowing users to enhance existing routes or plan new ones. (Example: https://rideamigos. com/)

Professional Organizations to Know

Alliance for Biking and Walking
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
League of American Bicyclists
National Center for Bicycling and Walking
International Bicycle Fund
Walk Bike Places
World Resources Institute
Association of Bike-Ped Professionals
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Safe Routes to School National Partnership

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Common Important Terms

Bicycle Network. A network of roads, paths, and trails designed to accommodate and encourage bicycle use.
Bicycle Path. A bicycle-only path, separated from motor vehicle traffic, typically located on the side of the road.
Complete Streets. A street designed and operated with all users in mind, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and people with disabilities.
Shared Use Path. A path for pedestrians and bicycles that is designated for exclusive or preferential use by non-motorized traffic.
Bike Lanes. A lane dedicated for bicyclists, separated from other traffic by a painted line.
Traffic Calming. Measures used to reduce the speed and volume of motor vehicle traffic on a street, such as speed humps or roundabouts.
Traffic Simulation. The process of using computer models to simulate the behavior of traffic on a roadway system.
Wayfinding. The process of providing physical and verbal cues to guide people through a complex environment.
Connectivity. The degree to which a transportation network enables travelers to reach various destinations with minimal effort.
Traffic Impact Assessment. An analysis of the impact of a proposed development or change on the existing transportation network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Planner?

The purpose of a Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Planner is to create efficient, safe, and sustainable pathways for pedestrians and cyclists to travel on.

What entities are typically involved in the planning process?

The entities typically involved in the planning process are local governments, transportation departments, public health organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders.

What types of data are used to inform the planning process?

Data used to inform the planning process includes demographics, traffic volumes, existing infrastructure, collision data, public input, and input from other stakeholders.

How often should Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Plans be reviewed?

Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Plans should be reviewed at least every five years in order to ensure that plans remain up to date with changing conditions.

What are some of the benefits of implementing Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Plans?

Implementing Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic Plans can lead to improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, increased physical activity, improved air quality, reduced congestion, and increased economic development.