Bike-Friendly City Planner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of eco-consciousness, the role of bike-friendly city planners is more crucial than ever.

As urban landscapes evolve, the need for innovative minds who can design, develop, and ensure the sustainability of our cities increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a bike-friendly city planner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the fundamentals of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the complexities of city planning for cyclists,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable bike-friendly city planner job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Bike-Friendly City Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Bike-Friendly City Planners play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies to make cities more accessible and safe for cyclists.

They must consider the needs of cyclists in designing and planning urban areas while also balancing the needs of pedestrians, drivers, and public transportation.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with local government officials, architects, and engineers to design bike-friendly infrastructure
• Conduct research and surveys to understand the needs and habits of local cyclists
• Develop and implement bike-friendly policies and programs
• Plan and design bike lanes, bike parking, and other cyclist amenities
• Ensure safety standards are met in all bike-friendly projects
• Coordinate with traffic engineers to integrate bike lanes and paths into the overall city traffic plan
• Promote bike-friendly initiatives through public engagement and outreach
• Evaluate the effectiveness of bike-friendly programs and make recommendations for improvements
• Stay informed about best practices and trends in bike-friendly urban planning

 

Bike-Friendly City Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and innovative Bike-Friendly City Planner to join our team.

Your primary role will be to design and implement plans that encourage bike-friendly infrastructure in our city.

Your responsibilities will include assessing the current state of the city’s infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement, and creating innovative solutions to make our city more accessible for cyclists.

Our ideal candidates have a deep understanding of urban planning principles, a passion for environmental sustainability and healthy living, as well as experience in bike-friendly city planning.

 

Responsibilities

• Analyze and evaluate current city infrastructure and identify areas that can be improved for cycling
• Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions
• Prepare studies on traffic patterns, environmental impact, and infrastructure for the development of bicycle-friendly projects
• Design, promote and implement bike-friendly infrastructure such as bike lanes, racks, and trails
• Collaborate with government officials, community groups, and other stakeholders to promote and implement bike-friendly initiatives
• Assess the feasibility of new projects and provide detailed reports to decision-makers
• Maintain knowledge of current developments in the field of urban planning and sustainable living
• Ensure all plans comply with local, state, and federal regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a city planner or similar role
• Knowledge of bike-friendly infrastructure and planning
• Experience with CAD software and GIS mapping tools
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations related to city planning
• Strong understanding of principles and practices of urban planning and sustainable living
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Bike-Friendly City Planner
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent field visits. Some travel may be required for meetings or site inspections.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of City Planning.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Bike-Friendly City Planner Do?

Bike-Friendly City Planners typically work for city governments, planning agencies, or design and engineering firms.

They specialize in developing infrastructure and policies that promote bicycle use and safety within urban settings.

They work closely with other urban planners, engineers, architects, and policymakers to incorporate bike lanes, bike share programs, and bike parking into the city’s existing and future layout.

Their job is to analyze traffic patterns, public spaces, and current transportation systems to identify opportunities for creating more bike-friendly environments.

This could mean adding more bike lanes, creating cycle highways, building secure bicycle parking facilities, or implementing bicycle-sharing systems.

They may also be responsible for creating and implementing policies that promote cycling in the city.

This could include regulations to protect cyclists on the road, promotional campaigns to encourage cycling, or educational programs to teach cycling safety.

Bike-Friendly City Planners also engage with local communities to understand their needs and preferences, and to promote the benefits of cycling.

They are responsible for ensuring that bike-friendly initiatives meet the needs of all city residents and align with broader urban planning goals.

 

Bike-Friendly City Planner Qualifications and Skills

A Bike-Friendly City Planner should have the qualifications and skills that align with this specialized role, including:

• Urban planning or civil engineering degree, ideally with a focus on sustainable transport or related field.
• Knowledge of planning, design, and implementation of bike lanes, bike parking, and other bike infrastructure.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, such as community members, cycling advocates, city officials, and transportation engineers.
• Strong project management skills to oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Effective communication skills to present ideas clearly, discuss plans with various stakeholders, and generate public support for bike-friendly initiatives.
• Understanding of traffic safety regulations and guidelines as they apply to cyclists and pedestrians.
• Experience in using Geographic Information System (GIS) and other planning software to create detailed, accurate plans and models.
• Strategic problem-solving skills to address challenges such as limited space for bike lanes and potential conflicts with vehicle traffic.
• A passion for promoting cycling and creating sustainable, livable cities.

 

Bike-Friendly City Planner Experience Requirements

Candidates for a Bike-Friendly City Planner role usually have a degree in Urban Planning, Transportation Planning, or a similar field.

This educational background often provides them with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required for such a role.

In addition to their education, entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through internships, part-time roles, or roles in related fields such as transportation planning, urban design, or civil engineering.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience may have worked in urban or city planning roles where they’ve gained practical experience and knowledge about planning and implementing bike-friendly infrastructure, like bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and other facilities.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in city planning usually have a comprehensive understanding of the policies, regulations, and technical aspects related to bike-friendly city planning.

They may have also gained leadership experience and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

Experience with GIS (Geographic Information System) software, public consultations, and bike safety policies is often highly valued in this field.

Moreover, the ability to understand and interpret city zoning laws, environmental impact studies, and demographic data is also critical for a Bike-Friendly City Planner.

 

Bike-Friendly City Planner Education and Training Requirements

Bike-Friendly City Planners typically require a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or civil engineering.

In addition to formal education, a solid understanding of public policies, environment studies and transportation systems is crucial.

Knowledge in GIS (Geographic Information System) is also beneficial as it helps planners to analyze spatial data.

Some roles may prefer or require a master’s degree in urban or regional planning or related fields.

These advanced studies often include coursework in transportation planning, community development, and land use planning.

Internships or work experience in urban or regional planning can be beneficial.

This practical experience can provide an understanding of the challenges and solutions in creating bike-friendly urban environments.

Many employers also value certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

This requires a specific level of education and work experience, along with passing an exam.

Moreover, a good understanding of cycling culture, bicycle infrastructure, and safety measures is crucial.

Many city planners may acquire these insights through personal interest or additional courses and workshops.

The job also requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to address residents’ concerns and issues related to bike-friendly urban planning.

Additionally, a passion for sustainable and environmentally friendly urban living is often desirable.

 

Bike-Friendly City Planner Salary Expectations

A Bike-Friendly City Planner can expect to earn an average salary of $73,050 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can greatly vary depending on the level of expertise, years of experience, educational background, and the city where they are employed.

 

Bike-Friendly City Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Bike-Friendly City Planner need?

Bike-Friendly City Planners need a solid understanding of urban planning principles and practices, with a specific focus on developing cycling infrastructure.

They should have strong analytical skills to assess the city’s existing infrastructure and develop viable improvements.

These professionals should also have excellent communication and negotiation skills, as they will often need to liaise with a range of stakeholders, including government officials, engineers, and the public.

 

Do Bike-Friendly City Planners need a degree?

A degree in urban planning, civil engineering, geography, or a related field is typically required for a Bike-Friendly City Planner.

Specialized courses or experience in sustainable transportation or bicycle planning may be highly beneficial.

Depending on the region, city planners may also need to be certified by a professional planning organization.

 

What should you look for in a Bike-Friendly City Planner resume?

Look for a combination of education in relevant fields like urban planning or civil engineering, and professional experience that involves city or transportation planning.

It’s particularly beneficial if the candidate has experience with projects that involve cycling infrastructure.

Knowledge of traffic management, pedestrian safety, and sustainable city planning are also valuable.

Additionally, check for any certifications from recognized planning organizations.

 

What qualities make a good Bike-Friendly City Planner?

A good Bike-Friendly City Planner has a passion for sustainable transportation and city living.

They are detail-oriented, able to consider the various factors that influence the effectiveness of cycling infrastructure, from road widths to traffic flow.

They have excellent problem-solving skills, finding creative solutions to make cities more bike-friendly.

They are also good communicators, able to explain their plans to a variety of stakeholders and handle any objections or concerns that may arise.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Bike-Friendly City Planner?

Hiring a Bike-Friendly City Planner can be challenging, as it’s a specialized role that requires a unique combination of skills and experience.

However, with the growing emphasis on sustainable city living, more professionals are specializing in this area.

It’s important to have a clear job description that highlights the need for experience in urban planning with a focus on bicycle infrastructure.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the key ingredients that make a successful bike-friendly city planner.

Surprised?

It’s not just about designing bike lanes.

It’s about shaping the future of sustainable and inclusive transportation, one bike path at a time.

With our comprehensive bike-friendly city planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re all prepared to pedal forward.

But why halt there?

Pedal further with our job description generator. It’s your next station for laser-precise job listings or refining your resume to a tee.

Remember:

Every bike path is a part of the larger urban landscape.

Let’s design that future. Together.

How to Become a Bike-Friendly City Planner (Complete Guide)

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