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Coming Together : Professional Organizations There's a professional association for people working on bicycling? But, of course. In a nation boasting 135,000 associations covering every aspect of life from infancy (National Association of Diaper Services) to death (National Concrete Burial Vault Association), and everything imaginable in between (including the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters), it seems only natural that there be an association to promote those promoting bicycling. As the 1990's dawned, however, no such professional society for bicycle planners or engineers was even on the horizon. Bicycling, as well as walking, were overlooked by the traditional transportation professions and agencies and only a handful of people throughout the nation had any specific responsibility for the safety and well being of bicyclists. Despite the loss of between 750 and 850 bicyclists every year in traffic crashes, and despite the fact that half a million people bicycle to work every day, there were virtually no funds allocated to improve the bicycling environment or the safety of bicyclists. And for that handful of people who were working in this area, there was precious little guidance on what they should be doing to make a real difference. Ten years later, the picture has changed radically. Federal funds are flowing towards bicycling improvements; "bicycle-friendliness" is in; and bicycling is increasingly referred to as an indicator species of a desirable community with a good quality of life. Even the Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials reports that their "bicycle facilities guide" is a best-seller. In 1995, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals was established to provide a voice and forum for those planners, engineers, academics, and advocates who were working to improve conditions for bicycling and walking. To help ensure excellence in this emerging profession, the association has initiated a number of programs including:
• Training courses and workshops focusing on bicycle facility design, professional development and other important issues • A Best Practices manual, published in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, documenting some of the most successful bicycle programs and facilities in the nation • Working with the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center to establish the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center through a grant from the United States Department of Transportation. APBP members believe that bicycling is an integral and critical part of the transportation system, and that the presence of bicyclists is a good indication of the health and vitality of a community. Bicycling is one of the simplest, most efficient forms of transportation, and yet it is also easy to overlook or take for granted. Designing a safe, convenient, and comfortable bicycling environment requires planning, careful engineering, attention to detail, and ongoing maintenance and care. Physical improvements must go hand in hand with land use control, legal changes, enforcement, education and a complete package of measures that require coordination and support from politicians as well as professionals. APBP is one of the few organizations that brings together the many disciplines and interests needed to implement such a complete program. To find out more about the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, you can visit their web site at www.apbp.org. |