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)

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Mixing the 4-E's in bicycle programs
  2. Step 1: Understand the bicycling situation
  3. Step 2: Set achievable goals and objectives
  4. Step 3: Develop an action plan
  5. Step 4: Evaluate the work
  6. Conclusion and references

Executive Summary

When bicycle programs began in the late 1960s, the emphasis was strictly on providing facilities. As communities gained experience and began to identify other needs, the concept of the comprehensive "4-e" program emerged, combining the elements of engineering, education, enforcement, and encouragement.

The past 20 years have seen a great deal of growth and much creativity in the field. Some communities have excelled in education while others have implemented strong enforcement programs. Encouragement programs have thrived and engineering work has matured.
Today, with the Federal mandate for action contained in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, there is a growing interest in bicycle transportation. Yet, few communities have the informational underpinnings for a successful program.

This report suggests a four-step process through which a community can implement a comprehensive "4-e" program to encourage bicycle transportation. It includes suggestions for collecting basic data, setting program objectives, building an action plan, and evaluating results.

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