We have long been a leader in multi-modal transportation, and new tools, techniques, and technologies have emerged to help establish bicycling as a full partner in the transportation mix. When we were faced with updating the bicycle element of our Master Transportation Plan, however, we found ourselves rich in data but lacking proficiency in practical techniques.

We possess a uniquely robust set of data, including an LTS study of every street in the County, data for every residential and commercial parcel, and data for every employment location. We also have control of almost all of our streets, positioning us well to use our data to develop a high-quality program of prioritized capital improvements for a greatly improved bicycle transportation network. Because our data gathering projects did not include staff capacity building or guidance to improve practical implementation techniques, we sought out a Peer Exchange to fill in the gaps.

The Peer Exchange covered numerous topics to help us meet our planning challenge. The Exchange included sessions on:

• Successes and shortcomings in traditional and emerging data sources and in LTS analysis
• How-to's and practical applications for crash analysis and communication of analysis and benefits
• Knowing your audience using MWCOG data
• Using new data/analysis methods

As a result of the Peer Exchange, we feel like we can use and maintain our own LTS data, and that we have the tools to analyze the bicycle network and prioritize our capital projects. We feel better prepared to use LTS to develop safer, more comfortable, more efficient, and better-connected bicycle networks for the future, and we can share the learning experience with others.