A Resource on Supporting Walking and Bicycling for

National Parks and their Partners

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Grand Canyon National Park (NPS)
Webinar Series Speakers 

2

Krista Sherwood

NPS Conservation & 

Outdoor Recreation 

Programs

Jessica Baas

U.S. Department of 

Transportation Volpe Center 

Tim Young

Wyoming Pathways 

Lauren McKean, NPS Cape Cod 

National Seashore 

Richard Menicke

Glacier National Park

Morgan Lommele

People for Bikes
Speaker Introduction

3

Krista Sherwood

National Park Service 

Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Programs
Webinar Overview

• Guidebook Overview

• Case Studies: 

1. Success of the Grand Teton 

Pathways System

2. Implementing the Outer Cape 

Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

• Q&A

• Learn More

4

Crater Lake National Park (NPS) 
Webinar logistics 

• Participants are in listen only mode.

• Enter question through chat pod at any time. There 

will also be an opportunity to ask questions over 

the phone. 

• The webinar is being recorded. 

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Active Transportation Guidebook

This Guidebook is intended to assist 

and inspire parks and their partners 

to identify and pursue opportunities 

that enhance active transportation 

to and within national parks.

Topics Include:

• Policies

• Infrastructure

• Safety

• Programs

• Events

• Sharing & Rental Systems

• Employee Programs

• Trends & Technology

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Active Transportation Guidebook

This Guidebook was developed collaboratively with support from the 

following partners: 

• NPS Transportation Branch 

• NPS Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance Program 

• NPS Denver Service Center 

• Volpe National Transportation Systems Center 

• Federal Highway Administration 

• Office of Federal Lands Highway 

• Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty 

• Adventure Cycling Association 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

• Open Streets Project 

• PeopleForBikes

• And Others

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Active Transportation Helps Parks and 

Communities Overcome Challenges through:

• Management of Vehicle 

Congestion

• Promoting Resource 

Preservation

• Accommodating 

Increased Visitation by 

Providing Alternatives 

to Driving

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Glacier National Park (Volpe Center)
Benefits of Active Transportation in 

Parks

• Resource Protection

• Visitor Experience

• Equitable Access

• Public Health 

• Congestion Relief

• Economic and Social 

Benefits

9

Denali National Park (NPS) 
Role of Partnerships

• Promoting awareness and 

excitement

• Collaborating on planning products, 

programs, and projects

• Pursuing and securing funding

• Improving bicycling and pedestrian 

infrastructure in gateway 

communities

• Receiving diverse and useful input

• Encouraging continuous 

engagement and participation by 

the community

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Top: Acadia National Park (Volpe Center)

Bottom: Shenandoah National Park (NPS) 
Speaker Introduction 

11

Jessica Baas

U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center 
Guidebook Chapters 

1. Legal and Policy 

Framework

2. Planning and Elements 

of Project Development

3. Infrastructure and 

Multimodal Connectivity

4. Bicyclist and Pedestrian 

Safety

5. Partnerships and 

Funding

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6. Visitor Activities and Programs

7. Open Streets Opportunities

8. Bicycle Sharing and Rental 

Systems

9. Employee Programs and Park 

Operational Uses

10. Innovative Technologies and 

Emerging Trends
Guidebook Chapters 

13

1. Legal and Policy 

Framework

2. Planning and Elements 

of Project Development

3. Infrastructure and 

Multimodal Connectivity

4. Bicyclist and Pedestrian 

Safety

5. Partnerships and 

Funding

6. Visitor Activities and Programs

7. Open Streets Opportunities

8. Bicycle Sharing and Rental 

Systems

9. Employee Programs and Park 

Operational Uses

10. Innovative Technologies and 

Emerging Trends
Chapter 1: Legal and Policy Framework

•Policies: 

• NPS Management Policies 

• NPS Bike Rule 

• Superintendent’s Compendium (parkspecific)

•Transportation funding: 

• Federal Lands Transportation Program 

(FLTP) 

• Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) 

for partnerships with states, counties, 

and local entities 

•Federal policies apply to any project 

receiving federal funding. 

•State and local policies on walking 

and bicycling may also affect active 

transportation to and within parks.

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Shenandoah National Park (NPS) 
Chapter 2: Planning and Elements of Project Development

• Considering pedestrian and bicycling 

issues alongside transportation 

enhancement projects.

• Major plans that influence parks: 

• NPS National Long Range 

Transportation Plan 

• NPS region-specific plans

• Foundation Documents and 

General Management Plans (parkspecific)

• Partner planning documents (state 

and region)

• Feasibility studies and inventories of 

existing conditions and programs 

can be used to identify projects. 

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National Mall (M. Gersema) 
Chapter 3: Infrastructure and Multimodal Connectivity

• Pedestrian infrastructure 

(e.g., sidewalks, trails, 

pedestrian refuge islands) 

• Bicycle infrastructure (e.g., 

signage for shared lanes, 

bike lanes, bike parking) 

• Multiuse trails 

• Intersections and 

crossings 

• Signage 

• Connections to other 

modes

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Photos (clockwise from top left): Connect Historic Boston (Volpe 

Center); San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (NPS); 

Bryce Canyon National Park (Volpe Center); Glacier National Park 

(S. Snow)
Chapter 4: Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety

• Parks can improve 

safety for active 

transportation users 

through the 4 E’s:

• Engineering

• Education

• Enforcement

• Emergency response

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Grand Teton National Park (NPS) 

Natchez Trace Parkway (NPS)
Case Studies

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Grand Canyon National Park (NPS) 
Speaker Introduction

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Tim Young, Wyoming Pathways 

Case Study: Success of the Grand Teton Pathways System
NPS Active Transportation Guidebook Webinar – October 31, 2018 Tim Young, Wyoming Pathways

Grand Teton National Park

Success of the Grand Teton Pathways System

Enhanced Visitor Experience – Improved Transportation Options 
Jackson Hole - Gateway Community Partner 

Today Jackson Hole Transportation

 25,000 residents + 4.5 million Visitors/year

 Gold level Bicycle Friendly Community

 70 Miles of Pathways - more coming!

 Wyoming’s largest Transit System

 Jackson Complete Streets Policy

 Economic, Livability Benefits Demonstrated

“A national model for visitor access with 

roadways safe for people and wildlife, a 

quality pathway system for bicycling and 

walking, pedestrian friendly activity areas, 

and an inviting transit system.”
Active Transportation Vision

Grand Teton National Park

& Jackson Hole Community

 Over 100 miles of combined 

Pathways Systems

 Robust Regional Transit System 

Partnership Local/State/Federal

 Safe Functional Roadways

 Walkable Activity/Town Centers

 Healthy Park Resources

 Healthy Visitors, Experiences 

 Healthy Gateway Community
Grand Teton National Park -Turning Tragedy into Trails 

50 Year Pathway Timeline

 Community support for safe bicycling dates 

back to late 1960’s

 GRTE 1976 Master Plan “Provide new modes 

and paths of visitor access...”

 1978 GRTE Bicycle Plan – good plan but 

never implemented.

 1991 Jackson Community Pathways tart

 1996 Teton County offers NPS partner help

 1999 Gabriella Axelrad, cyclist fatality

 2000 NPS Park Transportation Study starts

 2001 Jeff Pool, second GRTE bicyclist fatality

 2002 Park EIS begins

 2004 Senator Thomas 1st Appropriation $4m

 2007 ROD 42-mile park pathway system

 2008 First Pathway Construction starts

 Park Pathways – Instant Visitor Success!

 The path to pathways included:
Bike Fatalities, Annual Memorial Rides raised awareness and public support –

U.S. Senator Craig Thomas & Senator John Barrasso Champion Pathways

Secured $14 million federal appropriations for Grand Teton Pathways
U.S. Senator John Barrasso Supports Park Pathways
Moose to Jenny Lake Construction Starts in 2008
Teton County Constructed

North 89 Pathway along National Elk Refuge in 2010-2012

Funding Sources:

• Federal Stimulus Grants

• Local Voter-Approved 

Sales Tax Ballot

• Teton County led 

Design, Construction

• $6 million/6 miles with 

bridge and underpass
Teton County to Grand Teton Connection 2011-2012
August 2012 – U.S. Secretary Ray LaHood presents an 

America’s Great Outdoors Award to Grand Teton National Park 

for the North 89 Pathway from Town of Jackson to Moose 

“We are doing this for these guys and future generations” 

Secretary LaHood, with three of his grandkids 
In 2016 GRTE Superintendent David Vela Opens Antelope Flats 

Pathway, adds connection to the quieter east side of park
Progress to date: 21 Miles Federal Lands Pathways

 2008 First 8-mile GRTE Pathway

 2011 Teton County adds 6-mile 

Elk Refuge N. 89 Pathway

 2012 National Park adds 6-miles

 2016 GRTE adds 1.2-miles to 

Antelope Flats

 Today - Jackson to Jenny Lake!
Enhanced Visitor Experience

Vibrant Gateway Community

• Improve Safety for everyone

• Improve Health - Visitors & 

Residents

• Enhance Access and Accessibility

• Protect Air Quality

• Promote Energy Conservation

• Quality Interpretive Opportunities

• Low impact and easy to manage

Benefits?
Economic Benefits of People-Powered Modes

University of Wyoming 

Economic Impact Study:

Jackson Hole Trails Project

Study Results were impressive

Total Expenditures and Economic Impacts Figure 4.18

Source Dollar Amount

Estimated Local Trail User Expenditures $784,255

Estimated Non-Local Trail User Expenditures $17,712,240

TOTAL $18,496,495

County Specific & General Purpose Tax, 2% $369,930

State of Wyoming Sales Tax, 4% $739,860

Employee Wages & Salaries $3,598,045
Tourism, Quality of Life Benefits of Human-Powered Modes

49.5

33.7

14.5

1.3 1

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Well Maintained Trail Systems are Important to my 

Decisions for Travel Destinations [Figure 4.8]

63.4 23.4

9.9

2

1.3

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Well maintained trail systems are important to my quality of 

life at my residence [Figure 4.9]

University of Wyoming 

Economic Impact Study:

Jackson Hole Trails Project
What about Pathways and Wildlife?

Grand Teton National Park Pathway 

& Wildlife Studies Summary: 

Negligible impacts from pathways 

and use; no serious problems.

Unlike motor vehicles, no wildlife 

has been killed by bicycles.

“...Overall, results suggest the 

pathway did not affect how elk 

utilize the area or reduce 

opportunity of visitors to view elk”

“...Overall results did not 

demonstrate alterations in ungulate 

distribution” 
“Conclusion...The one major suggestion given by almost everyone riding the pathway –

Extend the shared use pathway. People love the pathway and want it to go farther.

People want to get out of the car. People want to feel Grand Teton National Park. On a 

bicycle it blows in your face, it can be smelled, it is seen unobstructed, and the slower pace 

allows time for it all to soak in.”

Pathway User Study: Analysis of Nonmotorized Use in Grand Teton Park:
From 8 to 80, Grand Teton Pathways have proven a remarkable 

success for visitors, park employees, local community residents
Recommendations and Lessons to Share: Beyond the Guidebook

Better Training, Planning, Funding, Design and Construction

National Park Service

1. Provide regular training for NPS staff 

on best practices for planning and 

project leadership at individual Parks 

and NPS Regions.

2. Consider a NPS Active Transportation 

set aside in the Federal Lands Highway 

Program, so that there is more hope 

for bike/ped facilities to compete 

with Highways.

3. Leadership should set and 

communicate a higher priority for 

Active Transportation, as NPS 

Management Policy 9.2 clearly states.

FHWA Federal Lands Highway Divisions

1. Provide technical training for FHWA project 

design staff on best practices in design.

2. Require design staff to renew training at 

regular intervals, 3-5 years.

3. Evaluate the high cost of project design and 

delivery, and consider methods to bring 

these down while also improving design quality.
Thank You!

Good luck with your pathway!

tim@wyopath.org and 307-413-8464
Speaker Introduction

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Lauren McKean

NPS Cape Cod National Seashore 

Case Study: Implementing the Outer Cape Bicycle and Pedestrian 

Master Plan 
Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service
Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service
Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service
Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service
Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service
Bike Plan Master Plan 

Primary Route

· Use state DCR-owned former railroad bed from 

present terminus to Rt. 6 Wellfleet near Main St. 

intersection

· Develop fully separated, multi-use path along 

state DOT Route 6 corridor from Wellfleet Center 

to Herring Cove Beach

Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service
Beginning implementation

with interim primary route

CC National 

Seashore 

contracted 

Head of the 

Meadow 

Bicycle Path 

rehab & 

hardening Old 

King’s 

Highway to 

connect to 

Truro 

Highlands 

area 

attractions fall 

2018

Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service

Head of the 

Meadow 

Bicycle Path
Secondary Network 

on park land

Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service

· Signage, “sharrows”, and future shoulders along Marconi 

Beach Road from Route 6 to the beach (1.7 miles);

· “Share the Road” signage along Marconi Site Road 

(1 mile);

· Signage “sharrows”, and future shoulders along Head of 

the Meadow Road (0.9 mile);

· (interim primary route) Rehab and minor widening of the Head of the 

Meadow Bicycle Trail (1.9 miles); hardening of the Old King's Highway 

sand road connector between Head of the Meadow Road and Coast Guard 

Road (0.8 mile); stabilizing unpaved High Head Road (0.6 mile), as needed 

· Rehabilitation of the existing Province Lands Bike Trail 

bike path from the NPS boundary at Race Point Road to 

Beech Forest (0.3 mile);

· Reuse and rehab of former 2-lane Route 6 roadbed at 

park boundary for a bicycle path to Herring Cove Beach 

(0.4 mile)
Cape Cod National Seashore National Park Service
Q&A 

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Golden Gate National Recreation Area (NPS)
Learn More 

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Yellowstone National Park (NPS)
Resources and Contacts

• Download the Guidebook: 

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/transportation/bikeped.ht

m

• Webinar Speakers: 

• Krista Sherwood: Krista_Sherwood@nps.gov

• Jessica Baas: Jessica.Baas@dot.gov

• Tim Young: tim@wyopath.org

• Lauren McKean: lauren_mckean@nps.gov

• NPS Regional Transportation Coordinators: 

https://www.nps.gov/transportation/contact_us.html

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