Current Projects

One of the most challenging activities over the past several months has been the development, review and funding of research proposals. A total of 51 problem statements were submitted in January 2014 by TRCLC researchers. These problem statements were then presented to the TRCLC Research Advisory Committee and ranked low, medium and high. Eighteen proposals were then submitted for funding consideration and subjected to a three-part ranking process. The initial ranking was established by external review such that each proposal was rated with regard to six criteria: (1) significance of the proposed research problem; (2) relevance of the proposed research to the Center's theme, livable communities; (3) originality of the proposed research; (4) potential scientific contribution of the proposed research; (5) achievability of the proposed research; and (6) recommendation for funding. The final ranking was established by the Research Advisory Committee composed of local and regional transportation professionals. A list of the twelve funded proposals, principal investigators and university affiliations is provided below.

• Explorations into the Equity Dimensions of US Bicycle Sharing Systems (C. Scott Smith, WMU)-Project ID 14-1
• Developing Performances Measures to Capture the Effects of Transportation Facilities On Multiple Public Health Outcomes (Colleen Casey, UTA) -Project ID 14-2
• Developing Performances Measures to Capture the Effects of Transportation Facilities On Multiple Public Health Outcomes: A Case in Michigan (Jun Oh, WMU) -Project ID 14-3
• Conditions that Influence Drivers' Yielding Behavior at Uncontrolled Crossings and Intersections with Traffic Signal Controls (Robert Emerson, WMU) -Project ID 14-4
• Development of Decision Support Tools to Assess Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: Development of Safety Performance Functions (Valerian Kwigizile, WMU) -Project ID 14-5
• Development of Decision Support Tools to Assess Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: Field Evaluation of Driver Behavior and Traffic Operations (Timothy Gates, WSU) -Project ID 14-6
• Development of Decision Support Tools to Assess Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: Focus on Population, Demographic and Socio-economic Spectra (Deo Chimba, TSU) -Project ID 14-7
• Big Data Analytics to Aid Developing Livable Communities (Li Yang, WMU) -Project ID 14-8
• Alternatives for Providing a Safe Passage for Non-Motorized Traffic across an Existing Highway Bridge (Upul Attanayake, WMU)-Project ID 14-9
• Innovative Park-and-Ride Management for Livable Communities (Song, USU) -Project ID 14-10
• Travel in Adverse Winter Weather conditions by Blind Pedestrians (Kim, WMU). -Project ID 14-11
• Capacity Analysis of Pedestrian Facilities Involving Individuals with Disabilities (Keith Christensen, USU) -Project ID 14-12

In total, the TRCLC awarded $888,511 in funding. More information concerning the expected research, education, technology transfer and collaboration outcomes for all funded projects were sent to all principal investigators in addition to reporting guidelines. The status of the following funded projects will be closely monitored and published on the website.