The Louisiana Department of Transportation
and Development (La DOTD) has finalized the 2009 Louisiana Statewide Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. The Plan has been developed to ensure that bicycling and walking are fully
integrated into the state's transportation system. A
PDF of the document (3MB) can be downloaded here.
Who participated in the planning process?
Six public hearings were held around the state with over 300 members of the public in attendance.
A Project Advisory Committee (PAC) consisting of representatives from each of the eight
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs); advocates for walking, biking and the elderly; and a
number of state agencies.
What does the plan say?
The Louisiana Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan establishes new policies for the Louisiana
Department of Transportation and Development which encourage a complete and
multi-modal transportation system for the State of Louisiana.
Some highlights of the plan include the following:
- The Department will consider
the needs of pedestrians and bicycles at appropriate stages during all projects
and use current nationally recognized planning and design guidelines, manuals
and best practices to ensure facilities are built to appropriate standards.
- The Department will provide
for the safety and comfort of pedestrians and bicyclists and make every effort
to reduce crashes and injuries associated with these modes.
- Restricting bicycle and
pedestrian access should not be considered as an appropriate strategy with the
exception of those limited access facilities where pedestrians and bicycles are
prohibited and other locations where allowing such access would endanger
bicyclists and pedestrians.
- The Department will strive to
ensure projects do not become barriers to walking and bicycling by providing
appropriate safe crossings and ensure transportation projects comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the Public
Right of Ways Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG).
Contact Information
Brian Parsons
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
Office of Planning and Programming
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La DOTD)
