Since 2003, the Alliance for Biking and Walking has produced the Benchmarking Report that tracks data across the U.S. to promote data collection and availability, measure progress and evaluate results, and support efforts to increase bicycling and walking. This year, partners from across various sectors worked together to build a website out of the Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2016 Benchmarking Report to bring a comprehensive exploration of the intersections between transportation, health, economics, equity, government funding and advocacy efforts online. The website provides easy-to-use tools for analyzing collected data on bicycling and walking in all 50 states, the 52 largest U.S. cities and a select number of mid-sized cities. With these toolsets, users can explore benchmarks such as mode share, public health and traffic safety. Check out the Benchmarking Report website.

Creating healthier communities

Practitioners, advocates, planners and public health professionals have already tapped into the valuable report for such efforts as research, gathering facts for bicycling/pedestrian plans or reports, and supporting advocacy. A recent webinar educated viewers on how to use the new Benchmarking Report website and how to apply its information in order to advocate for bicycling and walking in communities around the nation.

"The American Public Health Association believes in the power of evidence — and inspiring change through data — to create healthier communities for all,” said Katherine Robb, policy analyst at APHA. “That’s why we’re proud to announce the new website exploring The Bicycling & Walking in the United States: 2016 Benchmarking Report, which traces the rise of walking and biking across the nation."

ITE Executive Director and CEO Jeffrey F. Paniati, PE, remarked, "ITE is proud to be a partner in the development of the Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2016 Benchmarking Report Website. This groundbreaking tool supports a shift to more diverse and active transportation alternatives. Effectively implementing active transportation modes such as bicycling and walking can result in improved public health, greater livability and reduced fatalities on our roadways — all key initiatives pursued by ITE’s community of transportation professionals."

Interactive website makes data more accessible

APHA and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, created the interactive website to make critical data from this report more accessible and user-friendly. The release of the Benchmarking Report Website demonstrates that APHA, ITE and the League of American Bicyclists recognize that data is a valuable resource for measuring progress, as well as a power tool for bicycling and walking advocacy. The website was designed and developed by Washington, D.C., digital strategy and design agency Taoti Creative. The website will be maintained by the League of American Bicyclists in support of its Active Transportation Leadership Institute and continued biennial Benchmarking Reports.

APHA champions the health of all people and all communities. We strengthen the public health profession. We speak out for public health issues and policies backed by science. We are the only organization that combines a 140-plus year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Visit us at www.apha.org.

About the Institute of Transportation Engineers

ITE is an international membership association of transportation professionals who work to improve mobility and safety for all transportation system users and help build smart and livable communities. Through its products and services, ITE promotes professional development and career advancement for its members, supports and encourages education, identifies necessary research, develops technical resources including standards and recommended practices, develops public awareness programs, and serves as a conduit for the exchange of professional information. Founded in 1930, ITE is a community of transportation professionals including, transportation engineers, transportation planners, consultants, educators, technologists, and researchers. Through meetings, seminars, publications, and a network of more than 14,000 members working in more than 90 countries, ITE is your source for expertise, knowledge, and ideas. Learn more at www.ite.org.

About the League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. The League advances bicycling and walking through its Active Transportation Leadership Institute, which gathers bicycling and walking groups from throughout the nation to share resources and best practices. Through biennial Benchmarking Reports we create the data needed for broad-based advocacy, policy discussions, and research. Visit us at www.bikeleague.org.

About Taoti Creative

Taoti Creative is a Washington, D.C. based digital creative agency with 20 years' experience developing digital strategies and websites/apps for non-profit, NGO, government and commercial clients. Taoti specializes in open-source technologies such as Drupal and WordPress, and its team of strategists, designers and developers have completed more than 500 projects to date. In addition to website development, Taoti offers digital strategy, branding & design, creative services, web production, and managed hosting services. Learn more at www.taoti.com.