This resource highlights ways that different communities have mapped their existing and proposed bicycle networks. It shows examples of maps at different scales, while also demonstrating a range of mapping strategies, techniques, and approaches. Facility types represented on the respective maps and legends are each different because they represent a community’s unique context and needs.
by Federal Highway Administration
Connected pedestrian and bicycle networks make walking, wheeling, and bicycling viable transportation choices for everyone. Networks enhance access to jobs, schools, and health care, while also promoting equity, physical activity, and health. Connected networks are comprised of a range of facility types (e.g. bike lanes, separated bike lanes, shared use paths, etc.), linked together to facilitate short trips to and from destinations and long linear connections across a city or region.
A first step to achieving connected networks is to document where bicycling infrastructure currently exists. It is also essential to establish a vision for the future network. This vision is often captured in the form of a map and it’s developed as part of a local planning process that includes opportunities for public participation and input.
A community’s existing and proposed bicycle network maps inform the day-to-day programming and prioritization of projects and help to ensure that all transportation improvements are enhancing the quality of the nonmotorized network and capturing opportunities to make linkages between existing and new facilities.
Published June 2016
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the US Department of Transportation, provides expertise, resources, and information to improve the nation's highway system and its intermodal connections. The Federal-Aid Highway Program provides financial assistance to the States to construct and improve the National Highway System, other roads, bridges, and trails.
Visit Federal Highway Administration
posted Sep 26, 2023
Adults living within a half mile of a park visit parks and exercise more often, but according to the 2014 State Indicator Report on Physical Activity, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population lives within a half mile of a park.
Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook
posted Feb 14, 2022
The purpose of the Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook, 3rd Edition is an information resource developed to provide a unified reference document on prevalent and best practices as well as adopted standards relative to highway-rail grade crossings.
PedNet is Making a Difference on the Ground in Missouri
posted Nov 13, 2020
American Trails contributor Josh Adams recently interviewed Lawrence Simonson, who serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of the PedNet Coalition, to talk pedestrian safety, projects and obstacles, and making a difference in Missouri.
Strategic Agenda for Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
posted Aug 6, 2020
The 2016-2021 Strategic Agenda for Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation builds on 25 years of progress toward increasing walking and biking safety and activity throughout the United States. The 1994 National Bicycling and Walking Study: Transportation Choices for Changing America set the stage for advancing safe, accessible, comfortable, and well-used pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks, with a focus on increasing trips and reducing injuries and fatalities.
