copyright 1996, Tracy-Williams Consulting

Balancing Engineering, Education, Law Enforcement, and Encouragement in Local Bicycle Programs

By John Williams & Kathleen McLaughlin, Adventure Cycling Association

(published February 1993 as Case Study 11 of the National Bicycling and Walking Study; FHWA)

Step 4: Evaluate the work

In order to determine the on-going success of the task force's work and to set future priorities, it is important to evaluate the relative importance of program elements. The following list of measures can help guide a program and answer questions like whether encouragement initiatives affect bicycling rates or whether safety efforts reduce crashes and injuries.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures show how successful a program is at meeting its goals and objectives. They measure its effect on the situation it was designed to change. The following are suggested areas for conducting outcome evaluations. These measures should be compiled regularly.

1. Measure bicycling levels and user needs.

Approach: Every 1 to 5 years, survey users to determine changes in bicycling habits, use of transit, as well as emerging behaviors, attitudes, and concerns. Routinely count bicyclists at the same locations used during initial research. Annually, produce a report of changes and potential implications.

2. Regularly monitor safety statistics.

Approach: On an on-going basis, collect police crash reports. On an on-going basis, collect hospital data on bicyclist admissions and treatment. On a regular basis, keep track of of assaults that involve bicyclists. Identify changes in safety problems, as well as potential implications for programs.

3. Monitor changes in bicycle theft problems.

Approach: On an annual basis, repeat the study of theft problems. Look at changes and consider alterations to the program as a result.

Process measures

Process measures tell how well a program's delivery system works. While they do not give a good indication of the worth of a program, they do help keep track of what has been accomplished. On a regular basis, compile these measures to show the results and to give a baseline for gauging future work levels.

1. Monitor progress in roadway and trail improvements.

Approach: Keep a record of large and small bike-related hazards and barriers eliminated, and roadway and trail projects implemented during the course of each year. On an annual basis, update the list of proposed projects for consideration in the TIP. Consider changes to the list as conditions change.

2. Monitor provision of transit links and trip end facilities.

Approach: Keep track of transit linkages implemented. Determine future needs based on new transit developments and the success of the program. Review public bike parking provisions. Keep an updated map of parking installation and note any problems for future correction.

3. Evaluate standards, policies and regulations regularly.

Approach: Review roadway and trail design standards on a continuing basis, in light of new research and local experience. Modify those that need updating. Routinely review parking requirements to determine whether changes may be needed to assure the provision of high quality parking. Monitor the implementation of shower and locker regulations as well. Review traffic laws when new versions of the Uniform Vehicle Code and Model Traffic Ordinance come out, or when problems arise. During future reviews of local plans and relevant ordinances, consider the impacts on utilitarian bicycling. Suggest modifications as needed.

4. Monitor delivery of educational messages.

Approach: Keep a continuing record of the number of bicyclists and drivers reached through education programs and the extent of the contact. Keep track of the delivery of public service messages through various media (newspaper, TV, radio, pamphlets, etc.).

Make note of any problems encountered, along with suggestions for changes to program approaches, target ages or groups, or messages.

5. Monitor results of enforcement program.

Approach: Keep track of the number of tickets and warnings issued, as well as common violations. Compare the results to crash data for possible modification. Also keep track of efforts to curb bike theft and assaults against bicyclists.

6. Monitor company and agency efforts to balance workforce commuting needs.

Approach: Keep records on which companies and agencies are working on the problem, as well as the specifics of their programs. Publicize innovative efforts.

7. Monitor bicycle events and publicity.

Approach: Keep track of numbers of participants, types of events and publicity, as well as problems and solutions. Prepare an annual report summarizing efforts.
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