About the Conference
The 2024 ITE Virtual Spring Conference will delve into the important theme of safety within our communities. Technical sessions will explore safety from different perspectives, including engineering, data analysis, and a focus on achieving equitable outcomes. You will discover insights on designing impactful safety campaigns, the implications of the updated MUTCD, and how data can drive safety improvements. The conference agenda also features discussions on bike infrastructure, cutting-edge generative AI models, and the future of people-centered mobility.
The program for this conference was put together by members of the ITE Complete Streets, Planning, Education, Safety, TSMO, and Traffic Engineering Councils, and Pedestrian and Bicycle, and Transit Committees.
Schedule of Events
11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m. ET
Opening Plenary Session: The Safe System Approach within Our Communities
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
Keynote Speaker:
Robert Ritter, Associate Administrator for Safety with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
1:30—2:30 p.m. ET
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Designing Information Campaigns for Lasting Impacts on Transportation SafetyOrganized by: Transportation Safety Council
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
Transportation safety campaigns aim to raise awareness and promote safe behaviors among all users of transportation systems and can take many forms, from traditional media advertising to interactive events and educational programs. This sessions dives into the challenges and the thoughtful process behind developing effective safety campaigns. By sharing real-world examples, we aim to provide insights that can inform the creation of impactful safety initiatives. The presentations will provide examples into how public agencies have developed and implemented transportation safety campaigns. The LeadershipITE Team will also share the work they have conducted on developing a Transportation Safety Campaign Database to document and catalog these many different campaigns for others to learn from.
Learning Objectives:
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Identify key challenges in developing transportation safety campaigns, including target audience reach, message resonance, and safe behavior promotion.
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Analyze real-world examples of successful campaigns implemented by public agencies, understanding their approaches, strategies, and impact.
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Learn how to effectively analyze and adapt successful campaigns from the Leadership ITE Transportation Safety Campaign Database for your own safety initiatives.
Moderator:
Samuel Harris, P.E., Assistant State Traffic Engineer, Georgia Department of Transportation, Atlanta, GA
Speakers:
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A BRITE Idea: The ITE Transportation Safety Campaign Database, David Samba, P.E., PTOE, PTP, Project Manager, Kimley-Horn, Herndon, VA, U.S.
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Building on a BRITE Idea: Creation of the ITE Transportation Safety Campaign Database, Jennifer Warner Hayman, P.E., ENV SP, Project Manager, Michael Baker International, Seattle, WA, U.S.
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Safeguarding the Peach State: A Closer Look at Transportation Safety Education Campaigns, Samuel Harris, P.E., Assistant State Traffic Engineer. Georgia Department of Transportation, Atlanta, GA, U.S
Beyond the Bike Lane: Metrics for Measuring Safety, Economic Impact, and Success of Bike Facilities
Organized by: Complete Streets Council
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
Bike lanes ignite lots of excitement but anxieties as well. Are these anxieties rooted in reality or urban myths? This session cuts through the noise where we dissect the economic and safety concerns surrounding bike facilities, separating fact from fiction. Leave equipped with data-driven insights and practical takeaways to ensure your bike projects are not just safe and successful, but also economically beneficial and embraced by the community.
Learning Objectives:
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Learn about best practices for measuring before/after impacts of bike infrastructure projects
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Describe how to communicate and share results from a project with the community
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Learn about unique and creative metrics for measuring success on Complete Streets projects
Moderator:
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Adam Smith, P.E., PTOE, Complete Streets District Manager, City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Speakers:
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Safe Streets Evaluation Program, Brian Liang, Transportation Planner, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), San Francisco, CA, U.S.
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Road Diet Implementation Via Roadway Resurfacing – Two Case Studies, Christy Staudt, P.E., Regional Manager, Traffic Planning and Design, Inc., Asheville, NC, U.S.
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Delaware Avenue – Adding A Two-Way Bikeway to a One-Way Street, Joanne Arellano, P.E., PTOE, PTP, Associate Vice President, Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., Newark, DE, U.S.
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Building New York City’s Bicycle and Micromobility Network for Safety, Efficiency, and Access, Carl Sundstrom, Director of Policy & Innovation, Office of Livable Streets and Paula Rubira, Deputy Director, Long Range Planning and Policy, Bike Unit, Office of Livable Streets, New York City Department of Transportation, New York, NY, U.S.
3:00—4:00 p.m. ET
Concurrent Technical Sessions
The AI Toolbox for Transportation Professionals: Understanding Data, Predicting Problems, and Enhancing Safety
Organized by: Education Council
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
As technology advances, the transportation profession can benefit from the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) models to enhance decision-making processes. In fact, generative AI models have the potential to significantly affect the transportation profession by generating synthetic data, forecasting future scenarios, and optimizing decision-making to name a few effects. Several challenges and gaps exist in the adoption and application of these tools such as lack of understanding and guidance and ethical considerations and bias. This session will provide an opportunity to learn about the different aspects of generative AI models and how transportation practitioners from the public and private sector are using these tools.
Learning Objectives:
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Understand the potential applications of generative AI models in the transportation sector.
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Recognize some challenges and limitations of using generative AI in the transportation sector.
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Describe the key capabilities of generative AI models in transportation planning, including synthetic data generation, scenario forecasting, and decision-making optimization.
Moderator:
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Peter Savolainen, Ph.D., MSU Foundation Professor, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.
Speakers:
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AI in the Transportation Industry—Tool or Weapon? Peter Savolainen, Ph.D., MSU Foundation Professor, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.
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Using AI and Connected Vehicles to Identify Intersection Control Types, Daniel Saldivar-Carranza, Ph.D., Transportation Research Engineer, Joint Transportation Research Program, West Lafayette, IN, U.S.
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AI Opportunities and How We Work in Transportation, Hyun-A Park, President, Spy Pond Partners, Arlington, MA U.S.
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AI Applications of USDOT SMART Grants, Peter Koonce, Division Manager, Signals, Street Lighting, ITS, & Electrical Maintenance, City of Portland, Portland, OR, U.S.
Connecting Communities, Strengthening Lives: The Power of People-Centered Mobility
Organized by: Transportation Planning Council
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
People-centered transportation, prioritizing the well-being and quality of life for individuals and communities, is a new concept within the transportation domain. This session will introduce the concept in more detail, describe how people-centered transportation differs from the traditional approach, the fundamental principles of people-centered transportation, and examples of what this looks like on the ground. Where possible, examples will introduce systems thinking into future mobility and infrastructure planning that can help transform our street networks to yield more people-centered outcomes. The presentation will conclude with how the people-centered initiative is organized within ITE, activities we are undertaking, and how you can get involved.
Learning Objectives:
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Critically compare traditional transportation approaches with the people-centered perspective.
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Analyze the importance of prioritizing safety, accessibility, health, and equity within transportation planning and infrastructure development.
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Learn about the People-Centered Mobility Great Idea Group within ITE and its ongoing activities in promoting this framework.
Moderator:
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Dan Hennessey, P.E., PTOE, PTP, RSP1, Director of Transportation and Public Works, City of Santa Rosa | Santa Rosa, CA, U.S.
Speakers:
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Dale Bracewell, P.Eng. MASc, Principal | Mobility Foresight, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Kelly Rodgers, Ph.D. MLA, LEED-AP, Principal, Streetsmart, Portland, OR, U.S.
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Meghan Mitman, AICP, RSP2I, Principal in Charge, Fehr & Peers. Walnut Creek, CA, U.S.
4:30—5:30 p.m. ET
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Edge of the Street: Addressing the Competing Demands of Curbside and Curbless Environments
Organized by: Complete Streets Council and Traffic Engineering Council
Sponsored by: CurbIQ
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
Managing the edge of the street used to be relatively straightforward: allow parking and loading and prohibit parking where necessary. However, the evolving use of the street curbside space, including ride hailing services, bicycle lanes, and streeteries, has placed new demands on these spaces. This session dives deep into the future of street permeability tackling the planning, design, and management of curbless and shared streets, with a focus on safety, accessibility, public engagement, and evolving needs. Presentations will highlight design details and considerations, public and private sector roles, policy implications, and lessons learned regarding people with disabilities, stormwater management, and emergency access.
Learning Objectives:
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Distinguish between different edge of road treatments and consideration of Public Rights-Of-Way Access Guidelines, emergency, access, deliveries, utilities, and stormwater flow.
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Identify the roles of public and private sector groups in creating and maintaining high quality curbside spaces.
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Discuss the planning, design, and management of curbside and associated public engagement, safety, and other requirements of their development.
Moderator:
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Alex Rixey, AICP, RSP1, Transportation Planner, Montgomery County Planning Department, Wheaton, MD, U.S.
Speakers:
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Technologies and Applications of Recent Curbside Management Studies, Peter Richards, P.Eng., Curb IQ Product Director, Arcadis , Toronto, ON, Canada
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Facilitating Safe Curbside Cycling, Max McCardel, Engineering Operations Manager, Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd, Brunswick, VIC, Australia
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Montgomery County Curbless and Shared Street Design Guide, Andrew Bossi, P.E., Senior Engineer, Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Rockville, MD, U.S. and Darcy Buckley, AICP, Multimodal Transportation Planner, Montgomery County Planning Department, Rockville, MD, U.S.
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Bell Street Park Boulevard – The Evolution of a Streetscape, Amalia Cody, P.E., AICP, Owner, Director of Engineering, Western U.S., Toole Design, Seattle, WA, U.S.
Rebuilding Connections, Enhancing Safety: A Path to Revitalized Communities
Organized by: Transportation Planning Council
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
This session will center on recent, on-going, and upcoming efforts to remove or repurpose urban freeways to better connect neighborhoods and provide safer connections across communities. The presentations will discuss what the costs and benefits are, and lessons we can learn from accidental freeway removals (i.e. San Francisco) and from intentional freeway removals. Speakers will include those from communities selected by the USDOT for funding through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.
Learning Objectives:
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Evaluate the costs and benefits of freeway removal, including economic impacts, community accessibility, and environmental considerations.
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Discover creative potential for the spaces freed up by removing or reducing urban freeways, including public parks, green spaces, pedestrian paths, and mixed-use development.
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Gain knowledge from representatives of communities selected for funding through the USDOT's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program.
Moderator:
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Claudio Figueroa, P.E., PTOE, Traffic Engineer, Burgess & Niple, Orlando, FL, U.S.
Speakers:
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Restoring the Grid: Transforming Rochester’s Inner Loop Expressway, David Riley, AICP, Principal Transportation Specialist, City of Rochester, Rochester, NY, U.S.
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Vision 980: Reimagining a Freeway in West Oakland, Becky Frank, Senior Transportation Planner, Caltrans, District 4, Oakland, CA, U.S.
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Reconnecting Austin: Opportunities and Challenges, Michelle Marx, Manager, Strategic Projects and Transportation Officer (Acting), Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, Austin, TX, U.S.
11:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. ET
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Zero Deaths Now: Successful Practices in Preparing a Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Application
Organized by: Transportation Safety Council
Sponsored by: UrbanSDK
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program has already poured over $1.7 billion in Federal funding into over 1,000 communities nationwide. In this session, we will explore lessons learned from prior submissions of SS4A grant applications and the level of effort needed to put together a successful grant application. Learn what resources local agencies had available and why agencies decided to pursue grants in-house or hire consultants. Hear directly from others on the thought process behind submitting a grant application as a local agency or coordinating with a metropolitan planning organization to assist in a regional grant application.
Learning Objectives:
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Identify common challenges and solutions encountered by communities during the SS4A application process.
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Explore practical examples of successful collaborations between local agencies and metropolitan planning organizations or consulting firms for grant application.
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Learn about the thought process and considerations involved in formulating, developing, and submitting a competitive grant proposal.
Moderator:
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Erin Ferguson, P.E., RSP2I, Principal Engineer, Fehr & Peers, San Francisco, CA, U.S.
Speakers:
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Building a Successful Application for Supplemental Planning, Bryan Redmond, Assistant Program Coordinator, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, San Francisco, CA, U.S.
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Auditing High-Crash Intersections in Alexandria, VA, Alexandria Carroll, Complete Streets Program Manager, City of Alexandria, Alexandria, VA, U.S.
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Transforming Nashville Communities with SS4A Grant Program, Diana Alarcon, CAPP, Director, Nashville Department of Transportation & Multimodal Infrastructure, Nashville, TN, U.S.
Metrics that Matter: Evaluating Transit Priority Projects for Capacity, Operations, Equity, and Safety
Organized by: Complete Streets Council and Transit Committee
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
This session dives into creative ways transit agencies are using data to measure the positive impacts of transit policies. Learn how transit agencies are assessing the effectiveness of transit priority projects like dedicated lanes and signal priority that can improve capacity and operations and then use these data to build a compelling case for their implementation. Better understand how transit agencies developed a more equitable system during the pandemic by reducing fares for transit-reliant and financially burdened customers, and adjusted schedules to help a variety of workers in many different industries. Finally, takeaway some ideas on specific, measurable metrics that can be used to identify the extent of capacity, operations, equity, and safety benefits to all transit users.
Learning Objectives:
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Learn innovative methods and metrics for successfully evaluating transit safety and operations
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Identify transit specific signal performance metrics for evaluation of transit signal priority.
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Explore best practices for inclusive transportation systems that serve the needs of all users regardless of their race, age, gender, income or language.
Moderator:
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Dan Ross, P.L. Eng., RPP, MCIP, Senior Project Manager - Transportation HDR Inc, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Speakers:
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Innovative Transit Metrics in Vancouver, Stephen Newhouse, Manager, Bus Speed and Reliability, TransLink, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Measuring Mode Change on Bus Lane Projects, Jay Jackson, P.E., Transit Signal Priority Coordinator, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston MA, U.S. and Emily Lucas, Director of Customer Success, REPLICA, Leawood, KS, U.S.
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Exploring Equity Metrics and Social Justice in King County Metro Transit, Lisa Ballard, Traffic Engineer, Speed and Reliability, King County Metro Transit, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
1:30—2:30 p.m. ET
Concurrent Technical Sessions
Shifting Gears: Transforming Traffic Signals to Prioritize People-Powered Transportation
Organized by: Traffic Engineering Council and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
Traffic signal timing continues to evolve and adapt as technology has enabled traffic engineers to focus not only on minimizing delay for vehicles at a single intersection but to coordinate timing across multiple intersections to improve system throughput and reduce emissions or accommodate other users of the system such as transit vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. As public agencies continue to ensure the roadway system is equitable for all users and operates as efficiently as possible, agencies are exploring additional methods to manage traffic signal coordination given the many different users of the system. New advanced detection algorithms have allowed for the use of adaptive traffic signal timing plans for specific travel modes including bicycle speeds and priority for buses. This session will explore some of these strategies and the effects they have had on operations and safety.
Learning Objectives:
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Describe techniques to manage the speed of progression for transit, pedestrians, and bicycles through a coordinated traffic signal system.
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Identify the role advanced detection methodologies play in traffic responsive and traffic adaptive signal systems.
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Understand the effect on operations and safety of traffic signal coordination prioritizing the movement of people.
Moderator:
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Jessica Holzer Carpenter, PTP, Transportation Planner, City of Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills, CA, U.S.
Speakers:
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Case Studies in DC on Signal Improvements for Bicyclist Safety and Mobility, Josh Wolfgram, P.E., PTOE, RSP1, Project Manager, Mead and Hunt, Washington, DC, U.S.
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How to Fast Track Signal Timing Improvements for Pedestrians: Just Do It, Barbara Mosier, P.E., Director of Traffic Engineering – Mid-Atlantic, Toole Design Group, Silver Spring, MD, U.S.
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Why You and Your Community Should Immediately Start Revising Signal Systems for Active Transportation: An Explanation Through Case Study, Peter Truch, P.Eng., PTOE, IAP2 Tr, Built Environment and Placemaking Specialist, Independent Consultant, Kelowna, BC, Canada
TSMO Roundtable: Navigating Success and Conquering Challenges in the Districts!
Organized by: TSMO Council
1.0 PDH Credit
Transportation Systems Management and Operations (TSMO) has long been considered effective in mitigating congestion and improving system performance. But making it a standard practice within the transportation community can prove challenging. Embark on an informative exploration with this structured roundtable that will feature representatives from each ITE District providing noteworthy achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in advancing TSMO. Attendees can anticipate a focused 60-minute session that encapsulates the prevailing landscape of TSMO, fostering collaborative dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Learning Objectives:
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Gain insights into the TSMO/Operations activities of agency within different ITE Districts.
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Comprehend the requirements and difficulties practitioners face when contemplating the implementation of TSMO strategies.
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Recognize potential initiatives for the ITE TSMO Council to address gaps and enhance support for the TSMO Community.
Moderator:
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,Venkat Nallamothu, Director, Traffic Engineering, ToXcel
Speakers:
• Ryan Lowe, Traffic Management Administrator, Ohio Department of Transportation, Columbus, OH, U.S.
• Alexandra Lopez, District 4 TSMO Program Engineer, Florida Department of Transportation,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, U.S
• Todd Szymkowski, Statewide Traffic Systems Engineer, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Madison, WI, U.S
• Steve Gault, Chief, TSMO Arterials & Planning Section, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Harrisburg, PA, U.S.
• Borg Chan, Road Safety Specialist, ISL Engineering and Land Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Lee Smith, Traffic Operations Technical and Program Advisor, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Nashville, TN, U.S
• Caleb Winter, Senior Transportation Planner, TSMO, Metro, Portland Metro, Portland, OR, U.S.
• Christeen Pusch, Management Analyst, Texas Department of Transportation, Austin, TX, U.S.
• Tim Simodynes, State Traffic Operations Engineer, Iowa Department of Transportation, Ames, IA, U.S
• April Wire, P.E., PTOE, Assistant TSMO Division Manager, Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), Phoenix, AZ, U.S.
• Dhanush Laxman, Senior Systems Engineer, Aurecon, Auckland, New Zealand
• Salvatore (Sal) Cowan, Senior Director of Transportation Mobility, New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey, U.S.
3:00—4:00 p.m. ET
Closing Plenary Session: Reflections on the Transportation Safety Journey
1.0 PDH/CM Credit
Speaker:
Rachel Carpenter, Chief Safety Officer, CalTrans
Questions? Contact membership@ite.org
Registration Fees
Early Bird Deadline: February 23
Members
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$149 (by February 23)
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$199 (after February 23)
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$50 (Students)
Non-Members
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$249 (by February 23)
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$299 (after February 23)
There are special discounts available for public agencies who would like to send 5 or more people to this virtual event. Contact membership@ite.org for those details.
Sponsors
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