Frequently Asked Questions and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Active Transportation as defined by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) includes walking and bicycling, with or without the use of mobility aids, and other human-scaled or micromobility devices that may be electric-powered or electric-assisted, such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
The planning process will evaluate existing conditions, identify needs, and propose recommendations for a functional, equitable, and safety-focused active transportation network on state-owned roadways, as well as supportive programs and policies.
ATP elements include:
- Benefits, Vision, and Goals
- Planning Process
- Public Engagement
- Existing Conditions Analysis
- Active Transportation Needs
- Programmatic Assessment
- Active Transportation Tools
- Proposed Network and Prioritization
- Funding Scenarios
- Implementation and Performance Metrics
The CTDOT is leading the planning process with the help of a team of active transportation consultants. The CTDOT will be working with a Statewide Active Transportation Committee representing other state departments as well as Councils of Government throughout the planning process.
The process will also engage the Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (CBPAB) for their specialized insight and expertise.
Learn more about the CBPAB here: CBPAB_Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board.
“Complete Streets” is an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining transportation infrastructure, which enables safe access for all people, including people walking, biking, driving, and using transit, including all ages and all abilities.
The CTDOT has Complete Streets resources available here: Complete Streets Central.
The National Complete Streets Coalition provides excellent resources on Complete Streets: About the Coalition - Smart Growth America.
Resources
CTDOT Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Complete Streets Resources
The CTDOT provides several links to resources on active transportation and complete streets.
Learn more about Bicycles Pedestrians and Complete Streets
Vulnerable Road Users
People engaging in active transportation are more vulnerable to risk of injury or death from a crash than people who are traveling inside vehicles. This makes them “vulnerable road users.”
CTDOT completed a vulnerable road user safety assessment in 2023. This assessment provides strategies for improving conditions for vulnerable road users, which will be used as a resource for this ATP.
Find the completed Vulnerable Road Users study
Crash Information
The Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center (CTSRC) and CTDOT have developed Crash Data Dashboards on the crash emphasis areas. Currently there are 26 emphasis areas developed, including pedestrian and bicycle. The data is updated on a nightly feed from the CTDOT.
View the CTDOT Crash Emphasis Area Dashboard
Vision Zero Council
Connecticut established a Vision Zero Council in 2021. The Council works to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. The Council commits to a Safe System Approach to achieve this goal.
Learn more about the Vision Zero Council
The Safe System Approach
Consistent with the Vision Zero Council’s commitment, the ATP will follow the U.S. DOT’s Safe System Approach to traffic safety, which is designed to use multiple elements to create redundancy to improve transportation safety for all users.