Interview with INNOVATION

District 11 Caltrans Active Transportation Plan

The D11

Programs created heavy duty stickers with QR codes that link to the Caltrans Active Transportation Plan survey. These QR stickers were placed on the ground within the right -of-way where people walking, biking, or rolling could see them and scan their devices to access the survey.

This “ virtual “ and “socially distanced” method of outreach was created during the beginning of the COVID -19 Pandemic when we were figuring out ways to operate non -traditionally. This method proved to be effective. Below are examples of how the QR stickers were placed.

The D11 Multimodal Programs Branch team created heavy-duty stickers with QR codes that link to the Caltrans Active Transportation Plan survey. These QR stickers were placed on the ground within the right-of-way where people walking, biking, or rolling could see them and scan their devices to access the survey. This “virtual “and “socially distanced” outreach method was created during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic when we were figuring out ways to operate non-traditionally. This method proved to be effective.

Seth Cutter • Complete Streets Branch Chief

What was the innovation?

Our District CAT Plan Outreach Team came up with the idea to develop Quick Response (QR) Code stickers that would link survey respondents to the DCAT Plan Survey web page.

What was the challenge or need that inspired the innovation?

D-11 was entering the public engagement phase of their DCAT Plan while COVID-19 had its’ grips on the US. In-person outreach/engagement for the District Survey was not an option.

What are the results of the innovation?

Nearly 2000 responses were obtained from the general public via the QR Codes. The information collected from the general public was used to help create a better D11 Caltrans Active Transportation

Plan in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Safety First

During the pandemic, in-person interactions would be considered a health risk. This effort allowed the District to maintain required social distancing while giving people who use our facilities an avenue to provide input. It also kept surveyors off the roadways, reducing/ eliminating exposure to traffic.

Cultivate Excellence

As far as we know, this innovation is the first in Caltrans and may provide a future method to collect public input (Lead the Way).

Multimodal Network

This effort was directly related to the development of the DCAT Plan. The Plan will inform active transportation investments going forward.

Climate Action

Improving our SHS to make walking and bicycling more comfortable for all users (based on feedback from the survey) will get more people out of their cars and more willing to use alternatives to the motor vehicle and help California realize our GHG reduction goals.

Equity & Livability

The QR stickers were deployed across the District with a focused effort on Areas of Need and Disadvantaged Communities.

There is an awareness among our District Division of Planning and Local Assistance that these neighborhoods have been disproportionately affected by highway planning and construction, and extra efforts were made to place stickers in high-foot/bicycle traffic areas of many of these neighborhoods in the District.

Additionally, active transportation improvements in all communities are tied to improved livability.

What year was the innovative solution implemented?

4/19/2021

Directly Impacted 2022 Active Transportation Plan

Was this innovation implemented state-wide, district-wide, or within your office?

District-wide

Who was involved?

Planning & Local Assistance Division

Complete Streets Program Branch Geographic Information Systems (GIS) https://youtu.be/dwB5QnOYMsM

What was the process for implementing this innovation?

Fliers and posters in English and Spanish were circulated throughout the District to inform people about the plan and engagement activities.

What is next for this innovation?

We can use this method to collect the general public’s input on Active Transportation and other items pertaining to Caltrans.