MoDOT hints at new direction for bicycle/pedestrian coordinator

Since MoDOT's sudden announcement the department's Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator would be released, MoBikeFed has been working with MoDOT and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to be certain that the bicycle/pedestrian program continues--and continues in an effective form.

The following letter was received recently from the Highways Commission. In the letter they give some indication of the direction the bicycle/pedestrian program will take.

A few high points:

• The Commission and MoDOT management support a strong, effective bicycle/pedestrian program
• The new coordinator position will be envisioned as a "non-motorized transportation engineer"
• The commission did not feel it appropriate to appoint one of its members as a "bicycle-pedestrian liaison" at this time.

Whether this is the right move at this time remains to be seen. But MoDOT is moving forward to fill the Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator position. The position will remain a full-time position. Apparently the announcement of the opening and the new job description will be announced soon.

It is unfortunate that over a year of momentum has been lost in MoDOT's bicycle/pedestrian program as they moved to shut the program down over the past year.

MoDOT's bicycle/pedestrian advisory committee has not met in over a year--which may be the longest hiatus since the committee was established by the Highway Commission in about 1998.  The strategic statewide bicycle and pedestrian plan, which that committee worked on for over a year prior to its final meeting, has not moved forward or been adopted in any way. 

Whether by design or coincidence, MoDOT Director Pete Rahn and other top MoDOT leadership have arranged a situation where progress on bicycle and pedestrian issues within MoDOT has come to a complete stop for an extended period of time.

The Commission's letter:

December 5, 2007
Brent Hugh
Executive Director
Missouri Bicycle Federation
5916 Arlington Avenue
Raytown, Missouri 64133

Dear Mr. Hugh:

Thank you for your presentation to the November meeting of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission. Your passion for bicycle-related transportation issues is obvious and we appreciate your comments. Like you, the Commission also takes these issues very seriously. In that vein, I offer the following comments as a response to your presentation and handout.

Since the work of the Commission is largely accomplished through the twelve monthly meetings each year, it is unlikely that a single member appointed to coordinate bicycle/pedestrian efforts would be able to dedicate the continual, hands-on effort the position demands. Rather, the Commission strives to properly equip MoDOT to handle all project-specific transportation details. Specifically, the Commission is responsible for the appointment of the director who, in turn, coordinates with the staff through the person of the Chief Engineer. In so doing, the Commission empowers MoDOT's employees to make the appropriate, project-level technical decisions.

Along these lines, you will be pleased to know that MoDOT is in the process of hiring a nonmotorized transportation engineer. This position will elevate bicycle and pedestrian issues above the realm of advocacy alone, more efficiently transforming non-motorized transportation philosophy into actual facilities. Moreover, this position will focus on compliance with the transportation users in greater manner than ever before. Even before such a position can be filled, MoDOT staffers are touring each district and raising the awareness of non-motorized transportation needs and ADA concerns.

While the Commission rcalizes the importance of non-motorized transportation, it is important to understand the financial constraints under which MoDOT has to operate. In an effort to meet the core need of a project, the Department is often unable to perform any desired enhancements. Compliance with the provisions of the ADA also, by necessity, takes precedence over nonmotorized improvements. Despite these limitations, you can be assured that MoDOT will continue to deliver the necessary facilities to all modes of transportation.

Again, thank you for taking the time to address the commission; we look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,
James Anderson,

Chairman,
Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission