There are many ways that bike and pedestrian projects get from an idea to a constructed project “on the ground.” This explanation does not attempt to be comprehensive, but shows how a project might get done. Bigger projects might have a lot more steps; smaller ones could skip steps.

1) Idea
Often bicycle and pedestrian facilities grow out of an idea, such as “Wouldn’t it be great to have a bike path along the Arroyo Seco?” or “How can my kids cross Pasadena Avenue to get to school safely?” Neighbors often share these ideas with each other, and gradually build support from other stakeholders, such as local businesses, schools, community groups, elected officials, etc. The idea begins to be refined by the community’s discussions.

2) Plan
From the idea stage, when there is sufficient interest from the community, elected officials and municipal agencies will evaluate an idea to see how it can work and, usually, how much it will cost. Projects that appear feasible are incorporated into plans and approved. Streetscape projects may be part of the city’s Community Plan (such as the Central City North Community Plan) or Specific Plan (such as the Cornfield / Arroyo Seco Specific Plan currently underway). Bikeway projects are generally part of the city’s Bicycle Master Plan (last approved in 2001, to be updated in the coming year).

3) Funding
Once a project is an approved plan, governmental agencies can seek funding for it. Relatively inexpensive projects (such as striping bike lanes) may come directly from departmental overhead. More expensive projects are generally funded by federal transportation monies, usually distributed by Metro through their every-other-year Call for Projects, which funds various transportation projects, including bike and pedestrian facilities. Other funding sources may include: California State Bicycle Transportation Account, Community Redevelopment Agencies, Business Improvement Districts, Foundation Grants, Community Matching Fund Grants, etc. Obtaining funding may take years.

4) Construction
Once funding is obtained, it can take a long time before things actually are built. Designs need to be finalized – this may involve numerous meetings with various stakeholders. Larger projects can require important environmental impact analysis. Projects are often bid to many contractors, and then take many months to build. Many funded projects take years to be built.

5) Ribbon Cutting
The community celebrates the completion of the project. The accomplishments of completed projects give neighbors and agencies experience and momentum that can help future projects get done.

6) Maintenance
Nearly all projects require maintenance. Generally the agency that constructed the project will maintain it, but it’s important that the community get involved. This can include notifying the proper authority when there are problems (such as vandalism) at a facility, or actually volunteering to help maintain the facility.