A visionary statewide plan was adopted in 2002 with the goal of establishing pedestrian travel as a viable, convenient, and safe transportation choice throughout Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Pedestrian Policy Plan is a framework to address pedestrian needs and bolster the state's reputation as a leader in building more pedestrian-friendly transportation systems.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation established an advisory committee representing many diverse groups including high school and college students, advocates for the elderly, people with disabilities, local government officials and transportation builders.
Public participation was sought throughout the plan's development, from listening sessions for issue identification and stakeholders' focus groups to public meetings and statewide video conferences. The plan reviews important issues such as why walking is important and how to promote it; the special pedestrian-related needs of children, elderly and people with disabilities and how to address them; and the intermodal, interrelationship of pedestrian travel.
The Pedestrian Policy Plan identifies three measurable goals to increase and improve the number and quality of walking trips; reduce the number of pedestrian crashes and fatalities; and increase the availability of pedestrian planning and design guidance for state and local officials.
Goal
Improve pedestrian access and safety