The PARTNER Toolkit.

The PARTNER Toolkit is a innovative, step-by-step process you can use to work with your local community to identify unique walking and bicycling improvements that are specific to your local needs, document concerns, needs, experience and benefits and pursue funding to help implement these improvements.

How to use the PARTNER Toolkit

Anyone can use this Toolkit.  The PARTNER Toolkit can be used by organizations, engineers, coalitions and civic leaders regardless of their expertise in active travel. The resources are designed to support you in developing a technical document without having a technical background.  The PARTNER Toolkit can be used in two ways. One option is to follow it from start to finish, which will guide you in developing an Active Transportation Action Plan. Another option is to jump straight to a specific active transportation planning topic or technique to use in your community.  The Toolkit is organized into Steps to help you however you need. Choose to download the entire PARTNER Toolkit or jump to a specific Step below.  A summary of each Step has been provided below. 

Download the entire PARTNER Toolkit here. 

STEP 1: Connect with Your Community

In Step 1 of the PARTNER Toolkit, you will learn how to build a strong, diverse team to help drive meaningful change in your community. You'll discover how to recruit partners who are passionate, knowledgeable, and representative of your community's needs. Step 1 will guide you in crafting an effective recruiting pitch and identifying shared goals and objectives once your team is assembled. You'll also learn how to lead your group in setting clear short- and long-term objectives, establishing a timeline and determining focus areas. Finally, Step 1 emphasizes the importance of documenting and sharing your goals, while remaining flexible and open to adjustments as your efforts evolve.

Download the Step 1 Activity Guide here. 

STEP 2: Gather Information About Your Community

In Step  2 of the PARTNER Toolkit, you will learn how to use data to better understand your community’s specific needs and challenges. You’ll explore how both qualitative insights and quantitative measurements can strengthen your case for change. Step 2 introduces five practical data collection methods that can be applied to neighborhoods, schools, churches, or entire communities. You’ll also learn how to choose the most valuable locations to assess, focusing on areas with high activity or potential for growth. By the end, you'll understand how to gather and present data in a clear, effective way to inform decisions and advocate for improved active transportation.

Download the Step 2 Activity Guide here. 
Review the Active Routes Visualization Tool referenced in Step 2.
​For help with documenting your community needs, review our PhotoVoice and Walking Tour activities. 

Step 3: Develop Your Action Plan

In Step 3 of the PARTNER Toolkit, you will learn how to select action items and document your coalition’s progress. You’ll start by comparing the top concerns identified in your community assessment with the goals set earlier. This step includes activities to help your coalition decide how to address these concerns and identify potential projects to pursue. You’ll then review and prioritize these action items to ensure the most important projects are tackled first. Finally, you’ll learn how to create a clear, transparent action plan that outlines the decision-making process, builds community trust, and tells the story of how your group is working toward meaningful solutions.

Download the Step 3 Activity Guide here. 
Download the Action Plan Template here.
​​For help developing supporting documentation, review the action plans created by communities so far. ​ 

STEP 4: Implement Your Action Plan

In Step 4 of the PARTNER Toolkit, you will learn how to turn your action plan into a clear, organized work plan to guide your next steps. You’ll explore how your action plan can strengthen funding applications by showing documented community needs, stakeholder input, and local support. This section also introduces potential partner agencies that can help you access resources, navigate policies, and implement active transportation projects. You’ll learn strategies to educate elected officials and community leaders about the value of your plan, building wider support. Finally, you'll use the provided work plan template to outline the details of each action item—why it’s important, how to complete it, who will be involved, and what resources are needed to succeed.

​Download the Step 4 Activity Guide here.
For help connecting with peers, please contact the PARTNER team.

Active Transportation Action Items Catalog

The Active Transportation Action Items Catalog is a helpful resource that outlines various projects your community can pursue to improve active transportation. It includes a range of action items, from enhancing sidewalk accessibility to adding bike facilities, providing clear examples of ways to address common transportation challenges. For each action item, the catalog details the specific work required to complete the project, making it easier for your coalition to plan and implement improvements. This tool helps you choose projects that best fit your community’s needs and supports your efforts to create safer, more accessible travel options for everyone.

Click here to view the Active Transportation Action Items Catalog.