SRTS & Active Transportation

When planning your SRTS project, it’s important to keep in mind active transportation systems that may already exist in your community. SRTS grant applications are most compelling when you are able to demonstrate connectivity and link your sidewalk plans to existing sidewalks, and trail ways.

Design, Planning & Transportation Tools and Resources

For Consultants, Engineers, and Planners:

1. AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials)
2. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) – Civil rights legislation (Public Law 226, 101st Congress) prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities.
   1. Accessibility Resources Library, FHWA
   2. DESIGNING SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS FOR ACCESS: Part I of II: Review of Existing Guidelines and Practices, July, 1999, FHWA
   3. DESIGNING SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS FOR ACCESS: Part II of II: Best Practices Design Guide, September 2001, FHWA
3. American Traffic Safety Services Association
4. Bicycling Economic Impact Model Templates, People for Bikes
5. Electronic Traffic Control Device Guidelines, May 2021, MDOT – provides guidelines for selecting appropriate traffic control devices based on the context of a roadway. For a SRTS grant, communities pursuing RRFB improvements must have a crossing guard or gateway sign as an added safety treatment. Also, it is recommended that the community include education programming that includes components which address how to use proposed signal devices.
   1. R1-G Gateway Treatment for Pedestrian Crossings User Guide
6. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
7. Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD)
8. Michigan Transportation Planning Association (MTPA) – voluntary association of public organizations and agencies which are responsible for the administration of transportation planning activities throughout the State of Michigan, which include Michigan MPOs.
9. Model Plan Language Supporting SRTS
10. Steps to a Walkable Community

For Schools and Communities:

1. Promoting Active Communities (PAC) Assessment – the PAC Assessment contains more streamlined SRTS elements. If your community completes the PAC Assessment, the SRTS elements will be able to be lifted right into your SRTS application.
2. Adult School Crossing Guard Manual, June 2019, AAA
3. AARP Walk and Bike Audit Toolkits, October 2023, AARP and League of American Bicyclists
4. Bicycle and Pedestrian Terminology, Fall 2023, MDOT
5. FHWA Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety page
6. Healthy Schools, Healthy Kids: Idle-Free Schools
7. Pedestrian Road Safety Audit Guidelines and Prompt Lists, July 2007, FHWA
8. How to Develop a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, March 2009, FHWA
9. Michigan Traffic Crash Facts
10. A Resident’s Guide for Creating Safer Communities for Walking and Biking, January 2015, FHWA

For Trails and Greenways:

1. The Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA) focuses on creating and supporting environmental change to make it easier to be physically activities through non-motorized trail networks- helping people build, connect and promote trails for a healthier and more prosperous Michigan.
2. Rails-to-Trails conservancy
3. Trails and Greenways Clearninghouse
4. American Trails 
5. Greenways Incorporated