National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is accepting applications for a cooperative agreement to operate a National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse. As stated in House conference report language (Section 1411(b)) accompanying the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to make grants to an organization to operate a national bicycle and pedestrian clearinghouse to “disseminate techniques and strategies for improving bicycle and pedestrian safety, and to develop information and educational programs related to pedestrian activities and cycling”. According to the statutory language in SAFETEA-LU (section 1411(b)) calling for this clearinghouse, the recipient will:1. Operate a national bicycle and pedestrian clearinghouse2. Develop information and educational programs; and 3. Disseminate techniques and strategies improving bicycle and pedestrian safety.US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has stressed the importance of considering walking and bicycling in all transportation projects. The National Bicycle and Pedestrian Clearinghouse will provide support for communities across the country that want to make walking and bicycling safer and more convenient.This agreement will replace the existing national pedestrian and bicycle clearinghouse known as the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC).