FM Metropolitan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan RFP

Project Background Information

 

The Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area has a long history of bicycle and pedestrian planning, with documented planning efforts dating back to 1975. The region also has a strong history of interjurisdictional collaboration on bicycle and pedestrian initiatives, including through Metro COG’s Metropolitan Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee, which has met more than 130 times since its inception.

The Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area has been designated three times as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. As the metropolitan area continues to grow, local jurisdictions have continued to expand and connect bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Shared-use paths provide important regional connections, while bicycle lanes and wide paved shoulders comprise many of the area’s on-street bicycle facilities. Sidewalks are also provided along the vast majority of urban roadways.

Metro COG develops a FM Metropolitan Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan approximately every five years to assess the region’s bicycle and pedestrian networks and establish guidance for future improvements. The most recent plan was completed in 2022.

The updated plan will build upon previous regional planning efforts and consider existing conditions, community needs, changes in the transportation network, and opportunities to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, connectivity, accessibility, and mobility throughout the metropolitan area.

Project Objective

 

Metro COG is seeking a qualified consultant to develop an updated FM Metropolitan Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan that provides practical and feasible strategies for improving bicycle and pedestrian transportation throughout the metropolitan area.

The consultant will evaluate existing bicycle and pedestrian conditions and needs through technical analysis, coordination with local jurisdictions and partner agencies, and public engagement. Based on this work, the consultant will develop recommendations and implementation guidance to create a safer, more connected, accessible, and welcoming bicycle and pedestrian environment for users of all ages and abilities.

The planning process will incorporate the Six E’s of bicycle and pedestrian planning: Education, Encouragement, Evaluation & Planning, Engineering, Enforcement, and Equity. The resulting plan will provide Metro COG and its partnering jurisdictions with a coordinated framework for future bicycle and pedestrian investments, policies, programs, and planning efforts.