Oregon is know for being an innovator in bicycle and pedestrian plans, facilities, and programs. The innovation will be taken to a new level through a new university Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI) to be housed at Portland State University. The center is a partnership among PSU, U of O, and OSU to house an innovative research and academic center that will help advance the bicycle and pedestrian planning professions and the outcomes of transportation projects.

The initiative plans to roll out a variety of activities that include:

• Continuing education for professionals and the community
• Dissertation research and fellowship opportunities for people seeking related careers
• Central point for dialogue around what is needed for advancing bicycle and pedestrian transportation locally and nationally.
• Increased awareness to the public on findings.

To date the IPBI has been driven by Doctors Jennifer Dill, Hollie Lund, Ethan Seltzer, and Mark Schlossberg (at U of O), and small group of community bike lovers. The IPBI is hoping working to secure $250,000 to launch the center’s efforts. The universities are committing to contributing approximately half and are seeking local match.

The BTA is very excited for this project it was #40 in the Blueprint for Better Bicycling. We believe that it could take us to the next level of understanding to most effectively serve the community in order to provide safe, convenient, and cost-effective transportation choices.

The idea is part of a larger Oregon Transportation and Research Education Consortium of these universities. The OTREC received $16 million in federal transportation funds and designated it one of ten national university transportation centers.

For more information contact Dr. Hollie Lund.

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