The foundation for your success in selecting a truly qualified Ped/Bike/Safe Routes to School Consultant is to begin by writing an excellent Request for Qualifications (RFQ)/Request for Proposal (RFP) for Safe Routes to School (SRTS), pedestrian and bicycle services.

Request:

• Evidence of prudent training* in Safe Routes to School, pedestrian and bicycle engineering, design, planning, safety, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation
• Demonstrated understanding of non-motorized and multi-modal transportation theory and practice
• Success in achieving accessible (aka universal) design/facilities
• Specific examples of each consultant’s pedestrian and bicycle work (especially important for consultant teams)
• Familiarity with and application of principles of healthy, livable, sustainable transportation
• Experience as a regular user of pedestrian and bicycle facilities
• Contact information for past clients. You can avoid costly interview and selection mistakes by calling and asking past clients three essential questions:
  • Are you pleased with the consultant’s final product?
  • Were you satisfied with the consultant’s work progress?
  • How was the consultant’s relationship with you/your staff during the project?

• Avoid selecting a consultant simply because they inserted the “wow” factor into their proposal – or interview. It’s tempting to choose a consultant who presents you with appealing work they didn’t have to do. Clear thinking calls for depth rather than show.

• “Explain how your training will help you do the job we need done.”
• “How does your work experience ensure us of a successful result?”

Association of Pedestrian & Bicycle Professionals
PO Box 93
Cedarburg, WI 53012
Cell phone: 262-375-6180
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.apbp.org

* Relevant training could include facility design courses from the U.S. Department of Transportation (FHWA-Federal Highway Administration, NHTSA-National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), state departments of transportation, or the National Highway Institute; one or two-day trainings offered by professional organizations; Safe Routes to School National Course training by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center or the National Center for Safe Routes to School; other instructor training; participation in numerous, in-depth, topical workshops at state, regional or national training conferences; substantive distance learning programs; courses offered by colleges or universities.