Active transportation services
We provide technical services and funding assistance to public agencies in support of active transportation for health, safety and economic development.
Active Transportation is a human-scale and often human-powered means of travel to get from one place to another, it includes walking, biking, using a mobility assistive device such as a wheelchair or walker, using micro-mobility devices, and using electric-assist devices such as e-bikes and e-foot scooters.
We work to focus state and federal funding from the Pedestrian / Bicyclist Program, Safe Routes to School and Sandy Williams Connecting Communities programs toward projects in areas of the state with the highest need and potential for success.
Technical services
Technical services are intended to provide guidance and tools to public agencies to help plan, develop and implement successful projects. Available project development services include:
- Community assessment field reviews to identify bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility improvement options
- Support local agencies in bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility planning
- Provide pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure best practice information
- Support local agencies with bicycle and pedestrian data review and analysis
- Safe Routes to School assistance can provide, in addition to the items listed above, support for the development of education or encouragement projects.
Safe System speed handbook
The Safe System Approach for Speed Management: A Handbook for Local Agencies in Washington State (PDF 3.126MB) serves as a tool for local authorities to plan and achieve Safe System speeds on local Washington roads. It builds on the 2020 Washington State Injury Minimization and Speed Management Policy Elements and Implementation Recommendations.
Other guidance and topics we assist with:
- Pedestrian and bicycle facilities manuals and guides
- Pedestrian and bicycle collision statistics
- Pedestrian and bicycle count data
- WSDOT Community Planning Portal
- University of Washington Taskar Center Sidewalk Data
Webinars and trainings:
Quick Builds for Active Transportation
Would you like to use Quick Build projects to pilot active transportation improvements and engage your community? WSDOT Active Transportation Division has recently developed a guide for implementing Quick Build projects under its funding programs: the Sandy Williams Connecting Communities Program, Safe Routes to School Program, and Pedestrian and Bicyclist Program. This recorded webinar will walk you through this resource on planning for and implementing active transportation Quick Build projects. It features examples of how communities have used Quick Build projects to build support for infrastructure enhancements that make walking and bicycling easier and safer. The Guide is available at the "Pedestrian and bicycle facilities manuals and guides" page linked above.
2025 Webinar for Local Agency and Tribal Partners, Slideshow and Recording (November 5 - 78 mins)
Quick Build Projects for Active Transportation Presentation Slides (PDF 23.7MB)
Quick Build Projects for AT Recording November 5 (Sign-in required, but this information is only to access the recording.)
Active Transportation Planning Basics
Do you want to make walking and bicycling easier and safer for people in your community? Are you challenged by limited data and resources (or other constraints)? A great way to put your agency on the path to achieve its active transportation goals is to develop a plan specific to these travel modes. This short two-part training provides an introduction to active transportation planning in Washington State. The first session presents on active transportation planning foundations, different ways for local agencies to establish a plan, and relevant state requirements and similar considerations. The second session delves further into the key components of excellent active transportation plans, including community engagement, data collection and analysis, project prioritization, and funding and implementation strategies. Both sessions feature examples of how a range of communities from around the state are setting the course for improved walking and bicycling access and safety. The training sessions are designed to build on each other but can also be done separately.
Session 1 Recording: Introduction to Active Transportation Planning (July 30 - 1 hr)
Introduction to AT Planning July 30, 2025
AT Planning Practices 1 (PDF 2.27MB)
Session 2 Recording: Active Transportation Planning Focus Topics and Best Practices (July 31 – 1 hr)
Slow down – lives are on the line.
Drive the posted speeds, they’re there for your safety.
Phone down, eyes up.
Pay attention – both to workers directing you and to surrounding traffic.
Stay calm
Expect delays, leave early or take an alternate route if possible; no appointment is worth risking someone’s life.