Resource Library:

Planning And Design

Subcategories • Accessible Trail DesignCase StudiesCost EstimatingFeasibility StudiesLivable/Active CommunitiesLand Acquisition and ConservationMaster PlansSignage and InterpretationTrailheadsTrail Networks DesignTrails as TransportationClosing Trail System GapsWildlife and Habitat



published Dec 2015

Case Studies in Delivering Safe, Comfortable, and Connected Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks

by Federal Highway Administration

This report provides an overview of pedestrian and bicycle network principles and highlights examples from communities across the country.


published Mar 2018

Case Studies in Realizing Co-Benefits of Multimodal Roadway Design and Gray and Green Infrastructure

by Federal Highway Administration

This document highlights case studies of projects that contribute to safe and connected pedestrian and bicycle networks in States and communities throughout the U.S., while at the same time providing resiliency and green infrastructure benefits that promote resiliency and relieve burdens on stormwater systems.


published Oct 2019

Active Transportation Transforms America

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

American communities today are at a crossroads. For the past 70 years, the automobile has been the dominant mode of transportation and has received the lion’s share of federal and state transportation investment. Engineers have prioritized maximum car throughput and free-flowing speed or level of service as markers of transportation efficiency and success. Now, communities across America are looking for ways to strike a better balance so that residents might have more transportation choices and a higher quality of life. Multimodal transportation systems that prioritize human-centered mobility are in high demand.


published Nov 2004

Stabilized Engineered Wood Fiber for Accessible Trails

by USDA Forest Service

Trails made with wood chips are difficult for those who use mobility aids because the surface is soft, uneven, and shifting.


published Mar 2016

Incorporating On-Road Bicycle Networks into Resurfacing Projects

by Federal Highway Administration

Installing bicycle facilities during roadway resurfacing projects is an efficient and cost-effective way for communities to create connected networks of bicycle facilities. This workbook provides recommendations for how roadway agencies can integrate bicycle facilities into their resurfacing program. The workbook also provides methods for fitting bicycle facilities onto existing roadways, cost considerations, and case studies.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Strategies for Accelerating Multimodal Project Delivery

by Federal Highway Administration

This Workbook describes thirteen (13) key strategies that have been used effectively to accelerate multimodal projects and provides examples and case studies for each.


published Aug 2016

Achieving Multimodal Networks

by Federal Highway Administration

This publication is intended to be a resource for practitioners seeking to build multimodal transportation networks.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Pursuing Equity in Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

by Federal Highway Administration

The purpose of this paper, intended for transportation practitioners and decision-makers, is to define transportation equity-related terms in the context of planning for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs; synthesize and highlight recent research findings related to the travel needs of traditionally underserved populations and the role of pedestrian and bicycle planning in addressing equity concerns; and to share strategies, practices and resources to address bicycle and pedestrian planning inequities.


published Feb 2018

Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity

by Federal Highway Administration

The Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity is a guide for transportation planners and analysts on the application of analysis methods and measures to support transportation planning and programming decisions. It describes a five-step analysis process and numerous methods and measures to support a variety of planning decisions. It includes references and illustrations of current practices, including materials from five case studies conducted as part of the research process.


published Oct 2017

Accessible Shared Streets

by Federal Highway Administration

This document reviews notable practices and considerations for accommodating pedestrians with vision disabilities on shared streets. It focuses on streets where pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles are intended to mix in the same space.