Using Pedestrian and Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress in Practice

Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) is a practical and useful tool to assess the perceived comfort and safety of people walking or bicycling along a given roadway. Supporting efforts to develop safe and connected networks of transportation facilities, an LTS analysis can identify streets that work well and areas in need of improvement. Moving beyond minimum design criteria, LTS helps planners, engineers, and advocates understand the interrelated factors that either encourage or discourage walking and bicycling.

This webinar will explore LTS history, data needs, methodology, and practical applications. The webinar will also cover a deeper dive into the latest guidance from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on how to calculate Level of Traffic Stress.

Topics to be covered in the webinar include:

• Understanding LTS Fundamentals: We will begin by demystifying LTS and its components, introducing the qualitative and quantitative elements that make a roadway safe and comfortable for people on foot or on bicycle.
• Latest FDOT Guidance: FDOT’s 2023 Multimodal Quality/Level of Service Handbook presents a methodology to calculate LTS. We will provide a review of the most recent FDOT guidance, identifying what has changed from previous calculations of Level of Service for people walking and bicycling.
• Practical Tools and Resources: We will equip you with the necessary tools and resources to conduct LTS analysis in your community or projects. What data is needed? Can LTS be calculated for a single street or an entire network of streets? Should LTS be calculated before or after a project? Whether you’re a transportation planner, engineer, or advocate, you will gain actionable insights to advance your initiatives.
• Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Discover how LTS is being utilized effectively in real-world scenarios. We will present case studies showcasing how LTS analysis has informed transportation planning and design, resulting in safer streets and improved mobility.

By the end of this webinar, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Level of Traffic Stress, how to apply it to your projects, and access to the latest guidance from FDOT. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and contribute to creating safer and more inclusive streets for people walking and bicycling!

This webinar is provided at no cost and will award a certificate to those fully attending and completing the webinar. Professional Development Hours will be provided to those that request these during registration. A total of 1.5 PDHs can be earned for fully attending this webinar. AICP CMs (1.5) have been requested (Thanks to the Sun Coast Section of APA Florida!)

Instructor Bio:

Lucas Cruse, AICP has over 20 years of experience in design and planning projects across all four corners of the United States with an emphasis on urban transportation and designing places for people. Lucas holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lucas is a Senior Planner with Patel, Greene and Associates, serving communities and agencies across Central Florida.