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

In the era of sustainable transportation, the focus on bike-friendly transportation planners is gaining unprecedented momentum.
As our cities evolve, so does the need for innovative minds who can design, implement, and promote bicycle-friendly transport solutions.
But what exactly is expected from a bike-friendly transportation planner?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of bicycle-friendly urban planning,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a tailor-made bike-friendly transportation planner job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner Duties and Responsibilities
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners incorporate the needs of cyclists into the planning and development of transportation systems.
They ensure that roads, paths, and other travel routes are safe and efficient for bicycle users, fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment.
Their daily duties and responsibilities include:
- Analyzing the needs of cyclists in the community
- Developing and implementing bike-friendly transportation plans and policies
- Conducting feasibility studies for proposed bike routes and infrastructure
- Working with city planners, engineers, and officials to incorporate bike-friendly features into broader transportation plans
- Assessing and recommending upgrades for existing bike paths and facilities
- Engaging with the community to promote cycling as a viable mode of transportation
- Ensuring that all planning and development complies with relevant safety and accessibility standards
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of bike-friendly initiatives
- Applying for and managing grants and funding for bike-friendly infrastructure projects
- Documenting all aspects of the planning and development process for future reference and improvement
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner to join our team.
This role involves understanding and addressing the unique transportation needs of bikers within an urban environment, and working on projects to improve and expand bike infrastructure.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of urban planning, civil engineering, and a passion for promoting sustainable, bike-friendly transport solutions.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop comprehensive transportation plans focusing on bike-friendly solutions
- Conduct surveys and studies to understand the needs and habits of bikers
- Collaborate with city officials, architects, engineers, and community members to create bike-friendly infrastructure projects
- Ensure compliance with local and national transportation standards and regulations
- Present and explain transportation plans to stakeholders and the public
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of bike-friendly plans and projects
- Advocate for the needs of bikers in transportation planning and policy
- Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in bike-friendly transportation planning
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a transportation planner, civil engineer, or similar role
- Experience in planning and designing bike-friendly transportation solutions
- Familiarity with transportation planning software and GIS tools
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Passion for promoting sustainable, bike-friendly transport
- Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner
- Work Environment: Office setting with occasional visits to project sites. Some travel may be required for meetings or consultations.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Urban Planning.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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 Transportation Planner Do?
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners are specialized urban planners focused on developing and implementing plans to improve bicycling infrastructure and promote cycling as a sustainable and viable mode of transportation.
They work closely with city officials, engineers, architects, and the general public to identify necessary improvements in the existing transportation infrastructure to make it more bike-friendly.
These improvements can include designing and implementing bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, bike parking spaces, and traffic calming measures.
They also consider safety elements like proper lighting, signage, and intersection treatments that prioritize cyclists.
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners analyze various data, such as accident records, usage data, and traffic flow, to identify areas that need improvements or new infrastructure.
They often participate in public meetings, presenting plans and gathering feedback from the community to ensure the proposed changes meet the needs and preferences of the cyclists and other road users.
In addition to the physical infrastructure, Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners work on developing programs and initiatives to encourage more people to cycle.
These can include educational programs, promotional events, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
They also keep up to date with the latest research, policies, and best practices related to bike-friendly urban planning, and they often work to secure funding for their projects through grants or other resources.
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner should possess the skills and qualifications as follows:
- Proven experience in urban planning or a related field, with a focus on bike-friendly transportation initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of bike infrastructure design standards and principles to create efficient and safe bike routes.
- Excellent analytical abilities to assess, interpret and utilize transportation data in planning and decision-making.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills for interacting with city officials, residents, and other stakeholders, and for effectively explaining and promoting bike-friendly initiatives.
- Problem-solving skills to identify potential challenges in implementing bike-friendly infrastructure and devise effective solutions.
- Proficiency in using transportation planning software and tools for mapping, analyzing data, and visualizing proposed plans.
- Ability to collaborate with a diverse team of city planners, engineers, landscape architects, and public safety officials.
- Understanding of relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines related to bike transportation and urban planning.
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner Experience Requirements
Entry-level Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in urban planning, transportation engineering, or similar fields.
This can also include experience with bicycle-specific projects or initiatives, as well as a solid understanding of transportation infrastructure and planning.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level roles.
This may include experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating bike-friendly transportation plans and infrastructure, as well as coordinating with relevant stakeholders and authorities.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background.
They may have overseen large-scale bike-friendly projects, coordinated with various departments and external organizations, and managed teams.
These individuals may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position, or a role in policy development or strategic planning in bike-friendly transportation.
Additionally, candidates at all levels are often required to be knowledgeable about local, state, and federal transportation regulations and policies, as well as the latest trends and developments in bike-friendly urban planning.
They may also benefit from experience with relevant software tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs.
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner Education and Training Requirements
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners typically require a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, civil engineering, geography, or a related field.
Knowledge and understanding of local and regional transportation issues, as well as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, is crucial for this role.
In addition to formal education, practical experience in transportation planning or a related area is highly desirable.
This can include internships, co-op programs or work experience with government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.
Many positions prefer or require a master’s degree in urban planning, transportation, or a related field, with an emphasis on sustainable and active transportation.
Certification from a recognized professional body, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) can be beneficial.
Advanced knowledge in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), traffic modeling software, and other relevant software applications is often required.
Continuing education and staying updated on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in bike-friendly and sustainable transportation is essential to success in this role.
Voluntary certification in bicycle and pedestrian planning, or a similar field, can demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to the specialty and provide a competitive edge.
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner Salary Expectations
A Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner earns an average salary of $64,000 (USD) per year.
However, the salary can vary depending on the individual’s qualifications, the complexity of the projects they handle, their geographical location, and the sector in which they are employed.
Some experienced Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners in high-demand areas can earn up to $80,000 per year.
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner need?
Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners need to have a strong understanding of urban planning principles, as well as a keen knowledge of bicycle infrastructure and safety regulations.
They should possess strong analytical skills, have the ability to work with GIS software, and be able to conduct and interpret transportation studies.
Communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as they often need to collaborate with various stakeholders and the public.
Do Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners need a degree?
Yes, most Bike-Friendly Transportation Planners have a degree in urban planning, civil engineering, geography, or a related field.
Some positions may also require a master’s degree in a related field or significant work experience in transportation planning.
Having certification or education related to bicycle planning or safety can be an added advantage.
What should you look for in a Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner resume?
Look for a strong background in urban planning or civil engineering, with a particular focus on bicycle or non-motorized transportation planning.
Experience with GIS software and data analysis is important, as well as experience with public outreach or stakeholder engagement.
Certifications related to bicycle safety or infrastructure can also be a plus.
What qualities make a good Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner?
A good Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner is passionate about promoting sustainable and active modes of transportation.
They should be solution-oriented with a knack for innovative thinking.
Attention to detail and ability to envision long-term impacts of planning decisions is crucial.
They should also have good communication skills to effectively liaise with different stakeholders and the public.
Is it challenging to hire a Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner?
Given the specialized nature of this role, finding a qualified Bike-Friendly Transportation Planner can sometimes be challenging.
However, with the growing emphasis on sustainability and active transportation, there is an increasing number of professionals specializing in bike-friendly transportation planning.
Offering competitive salaries and showcasing a commitment to sustainable transportation can help attract top talent.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a bike-friendly transportation planner.
And guess what?
It’s not just about mapping routes.
It’s about shaping the future of sustainable, healthy, and efficient travel, one bike path at a time.
With our comprehensive bike-friendly transportation planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to pedal forward.
But why stop there?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for meticulously tailored job listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.
Remember:
Every bike path planned contributes to a greener, healthier world.
Let’s create that future. Together.
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