External link: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publications/small_towns/page00.cfm

Publication date: December 1, 2016

Capsule summary: This handbook aims to provide transportation practitioners with guidance for rural and small-town specific geographic, fiscal, and other challenges.

Author(s): Alta Planning + Design; Small Urban and Rural Livability Center – Western Transportation Institute

Publisher(s): FHWA Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty

Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/bikeped/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Aex
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Aex

Definition: Examining the environmental impacts of transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/environment/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Jfb
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Jfb

Definitions: The movement of people
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ajp
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ajp

Definitions: Transportation on foot
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/pedestrian/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Mwx
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Mwx

Definitions: Transportation by bicycle
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/bicycle/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Bmbd
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Bmbd

Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/mpo/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggks
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggks

Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/dot/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggj
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggj

Definition: A large urban area
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/city/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhs
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhs

Definition: A written or printed work.
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/book/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: n/a
TRT Search Results Page: n/a

Description: Small-town and rural communities demand active transportation infrastructure even more than urban areas, as many small and rural areas were built to favor high-speed motorized traffic and therefore leave pedestrians and bicyclists in a dangerous environment. Small and rural communities also have higher rates of physical inactivity, crash rates, and lower income than urban areas, demonstrating a greater need for active transportation practices.

Objectives: The objective of this handbook is to generate a continued dialogue about multimodal active transportation infrastructure needs in small and rural communities. The research uses AASHTO resources, case studies, and FHWA local experimentation to help provide guidance for small, rural area decision makers.

Findings: The handbook developed by this research project is an effective guide for rural and small-town transportation planners. The findings address a variety of active transportation facilities such as: mixed traffic facilities, visually and physically separated facilities, and key transportation network opportunities. Each facility includes specific design and implementation data-based guidelines.

Recommendations: The handbook encourages small, rural community decision makers to focus on designing and implementing multimodal infrastructure for active transportation needs. The guide also recommends furthering the conversations surrounding rural active transportation needs to continuously improve the geographic, economic, and health challenges that currently face these rural communities.

Research Theme: Environment, Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit

Community Type: City, Rural, Small City

Transportation Mode: Bicycle, Pedestrian, Personal

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: City, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Facility or Land Use, Transportation Planning