Example: A project uses the SCLIO grant to collect data on sidewalk widths, surface disruptions, and sidewalk barriers/obstructions in a historic district. The findings are added to the OS-CONNECT dataset and shared with local decision-makers to prioritize future infrastructure improvements. The project also generates comparative metrics that highlight accessibility disparities between older and newer parts of the district.

Sample Data Points for Assessing Walkability and Accessibility:

• Sidewalk Dimensions and Geometry:
  • Width measurements to ensure compliance with ADA standards.
  • Slope and cross-slope measurements.
  • Vertical clearance assessments for overhead obstructions.
• Surface Conditions:
  • Surface material type and condition (e.g., cracks, uneven surfaces).
  • Slip resistance testing.
• Connectivity and Usability:
  • Continuity of pathways.
  • Proximity and accessibility to transit stops or key destinations.
• Obstructions:
  • Identification of temporary (e.g., debris) and permanent (e.g., poles, street furniture) obstacles.
• Environmental and Contextual Factors:
  • Lighting levels.
  • Drainage issues affecting pedestrian access.

Example: In an underserved urban area, the grant funds a community-driven audit of bus stops to identify accessibility barriers. The data leads to advocacy with local decision-makers influencing the installation of seating, shelters, and accessible paths to ensure equitable transit access for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Sample Data Points for Assessing Transportation Equity:

• Bus Stop Accessibility:
  • Presence and condition of shelter structures.
  • Landing pad level, dimensions and compliance with ADA standards.
  • Accessibility of pathways leading to the stop.
  • Availability of Braille Signage at the stop
• Crosswalk Features:
  • Markings and pedestrian signal availability.
  • Crossing safety assessments (e.g., width, visibility).
• Connectivity:
  • Distance to nearby community resources (e.g., schools, clinics).
  • Availability of alternative transit options.
• Community Impact:
  • Surveys or interviews with residents on their transit challenges.
  • Demographic analysis to identify underserved populations.

Example: A rural community partners with advocacy groups to map pedestrian routes around schools, involving parents, students, and local officials. The project highlights safety issues and also fosters lasting partnerships among stakeholders.

Sample Data Points for Mapping Pedestrian Routes:

• Pathway Features:
  • Presence and continuity of sidewalks or trails.
  • Slope, width, and surface condition measurements.
• Safety Metrics:
  • Proximity to traffic.
  • Availability of safe crossing points.
• Community Input:
  • Participation in mapping exercises.
  • Feedback on perceived barriers and safety concerns.
• Environmental Observations:
  • Lighting and visibility.
  • Obstructions (e.g., vegetation, debris).

Example: A coastal city uses the OS-CONNECT dataset to analyze sidewalk conditions (including surface disruptions, obstructions, permeability and surface perforation density) in flood-prone areas. The project combined OS-CONNECT data with ground validation to prioritize improvements that enhance accessibility during storms and high tides.

Sample Data Points for Flood-Prone Sidewalk Analysis:

• Flood Risk Indicators:
  • Elevation and slope data.
  • Historical flood records.
• Surface Condition Assessments:
  • Permeability of surfaces (e.g., permeable pavers).
  • Water pooling or drainage issues.
• Connectivity and Resilience:
  • Pathway continuity in flood-affected zones.
  • Alternative routes during flood events.

Example: A pilot project in a mid-sized city uses an app provided by the OS-CONNECT team allowing residents to report pedestrian hazards in real-time. The app inspires adoption of a streamlined way to tackle issues efficiently.

Sample Data Points for Pedestrian Hazard Reporting:

• Hazard Identification:
  • Types of hazards (e.g., cracks, obstructions, poor lighting).
  • Frequency and geographic distribution of reports.
• Community Engagement Metrics:
  • Number of users contributing data.
  • Demographic breakdown of participants.
• Impact Tracking:
  • Changes in hazard prevalence over time.
  • Response times for issue resolution.

Example: In a suburban area, the grant funds a project to collect data on pedestrian pathways connecting a public park to nearby housing developments. The data helps demonstrate the need for enhanced walkability in recreational areas, informing regional planning and promoting community engagement around outdoor spaces. Furthermore, the project infers the reduction in care reliance, increase in physical activity through community engagement and disseminating information among community members.

Sample Data Points for Assessing Pathways to Parks:

• Pathway Connectivity and Accessibility:
  • Presence of continuous pathways linking residential areas and parks.
  • Slope, width, and surface quality measurements.
• Community Use Patterns:
  • Observations or surveys on park usage.
  • Barriers preventing access (e.g., lack of crossings).
• Environmental Quality:
  • Shading and shelter along pathways.
  • Proximity to traffic or other hazards.

Example: A disability rights organization involves local residents in reporting issues on inaccessible crosswalks via an app provided by the OS-CONNECT team along with participatory audits. Data on inaccessible crosswalks included navigation challenges, continuity, vegetation, vertical clearance, lighting, drainage issues, crosswalk surface, ramp slope and dimensions, material types, truncated domes and uneven pavement. These data were used by the organization to successfully advocate for new municipal policies requiring upgraded pedestrian infrastructure in all new developments.

Sample Data Points for Assessing Crosswalk Accessibility:

• Sidewalk Dimensions and Geometry:
  • Width: Measure the width to ensure it meets ADA standards (typically at least 36 inches).
  • Slope and Cross-Slope: Assess longitudinal slopes (max 1:20) and cross-slopes (max 1:48).
  • Vertical Clearance: Check for obstructions like low-hanging branches or awnings.
  • Surface Conditions
  • Uneven Pavement: Identify cracks, gaps, or significant height differences (>1/4 inch).
  • Material Types: Record surface types (e.g., concrete, asphalt, pavers) and note conditions (e.g., crumbling, spalling).
  • Slip Resistance: Test for slipperiness, particularly in wet conditions.
• Curb Ramp Accessibility:
  • Presence of Curb Ramps: Document if ramps exist at intersections.
  • Ramp Slope and Dimensions: Verify compliance with ADA guidelines (max 1:8 slope, appropriate landing area).
  • Truncated Domes: Note the presence and condition of detectable warning surfaces.
  • Detectable warnings.
  • Availability and compliance of curb ramps.
• Obstructions:
  • Temporary Obstructions: Note construction barriers, debris, or parked vehicles.
  • Permanent Obstructions: Record utility poles, signs, or street furniture encroaching on the pathway.
• Crosswalk Features:
  • Markings and Signals: Assess visibility of crosswalk markings and presence of accessible pedestrian signals (APS).
  • Crosswalk Surface: Evaluate for trip hazards or uneven transitions between sidewalk and street.
  • Environmental and Contextual Factors
  • Lighting: Check for adequate street lighting along sidewalks and crossings.
  • Drainage Issues: Document areas with water pooling, flooding, or inadequate drainage.
  • Vegetation: Note overgrown plants or trees obstructing pathways.
  • Visibility and condition of markings.
  • Presence and functionality of pedestrian signals.
• Connectivity and Usability:
  • Continuity: Assess if sidewalks are continuous or abruptly end without a safe transition.
  • Proximity to Amenities: Record nearby points of interest (e.g., transit stops, schools, parks) impacted by inaccessibility.
• Safety Metrics:
  • Average crossing times compared to signal timing.
  • Proximity of crosswalks to high-traffic areas.
  • User Feedback:
  • Experiences of people with disabilities navigating crosswalks.
  • Community-identified problem areas
• User Experience:
  • Community Feedback: Collect qualitative data from users about perceived barriers.
  • Navigation Challenges: Note areas where navigation aids (e.g., tactile paving, clear signage) are absent or inadequate.

SCLIOs, or Specialized Community-Led Impact Opportunities, are focused, community-driven projects that use the OS-CONNECT dataset and tools to address specific local challenges or priorities. These projects are designed to empower communities to take the lead in identifying and solving problems related to pedestrian access, transportation equity, and infrastructure improvements in their neighborhoods.

SCLIOs aim to leverage the comprehensive, accessible data provided by OS-CONNECT to:

• Tailor solutions to the unique needs of a specific community.
• Foster collaboration between residents, advocacy groups, and public agencies.
• Create actionable plans and outcomes that can be implemented and evaluated.

By combining the strengths of local knowledge, technical resources, and targeted funding, SCLIOs enable community members to address their priorities in ways that are impactful and sustainable.

Tier 1 applicants can expect the following support from TCAT during the performance period:

1. Weekly Office Hours:
   • Applicants will have access to weekly office hours (Tuesdays, 8–10 AM online). These sessions provide an opportunity to get direct support, ask questions, and receive guidance on using TCAT tools and navigating the OS-CONNECT system.
2. OS-CONNECT Availability:
   • TCAT will provide access to the OS-CONNECT dataset, which is an open-source dataset focused on sidewalks and accessibility. This will include information on the geographic areas where the project teams plan to work, allowing them to collect relevant data on accessibility and mobility barriers.
3. Schema Information:
   • TCAT will provide detailed information about the OS-CONNECT schema, including the data structure and the types of attributes available for collection. This schema will guide applicants in understanding the kind of data they can gather and add to the dataset.
4. Data Access:
   • Applicants will be instructed on how to access the OS-CONNECT data via both web interface access and/or programmatic API’s. This may involve using TCAT’s data access platforms or the Transportation Data Equity APIs, ensuring that applicants can retrieve, use, and update relevant data efficiently.
5. Mobile Applications for Data Collection:
   • TCAT will supply mobile applications that allow project teams to input the data attributes identified in their proposals into the OS-CONNECT dataset. These apps will be used to collect data in the geographic area of interest specified by the applicants, ensuring that data collection is streamlined and aligned with the goals of the project.
6. Tools for Walkshed Analysis and Scoring:
   • Walkshed tools will be provided, which enable teams to calculate and analyze walksheds in relation to the data they collect. This includes:
     • Walkshed calculations to evaluate pedestrian accessibility to various points of interest.
     • Walkshed analyses to assess the quality of pedestrian infrastructure in specific regions.
     • Walkshed scoring tools to allow teams to score and compare the accessibility of different environments across different geographies.
   • These tools are designed to help teams analyze their data and generate insights that can guide improvements in mobility and accessibility.

By offering these tools, schema details, mobile apps, and expert guidance through office hours, TCAT will support Tier 1 applicants in successfully collecting, analyzing, and leveraging data to improve transportation equity and accessibility in their chosen areas.

In addition to the support provided to Tier 1 grantees, Tier 2 grantees can expect access to the following additional resources and opportunities:

1. Advanced Data and API Integration:
   • Tier 2 grantees will have the opportunity to integrate their projects with the Transportation Data Equity Initiative APIs. This will allow them to create scalable data workflows that can contribute to urban and transportation planning on a broader scale.
   • They will be supported in developing workflows that use these APIs to enhance their data collection, analysis, and overall project objectives, providing access to a higher level of data integration for their work.
2. Enhanced Technical Support:
   • Tier 2 applicants will receive additional technical support tailored to more advanced needs. This may include access to more complex datasets, troubleshooting, and custom solutions that are aligned with the scalability goals of their projects.
3. Additional Collaboration Opportunities:
   • Networking and collaboration with other Tier 2 grantees and stakeholders within the TCAT ecosystem will be encouraged. This can lead to cross-project partnerships and knowledge sharing, enabling more impactful and expansive efforts.
4. Priority Access to New Features and Tools:
   • Tier 2 grantees will have priority access to new features or tools released by TCAT, including novel data merge, join and union methods for analyzing and visualizing multi-source transportation and accessibility data.
   • They may also have opportunities to pilot new tools or applications before they are available to other grantees.
5. Increased Engagement:
   • Tier 2 grantees may be invited to participate in more advanced workshops, webinars, or presentations, allowing them to showcase their work, share findings, and contribute to thought leadership within the TCAT and broader transportation equity community.
   • Opportunities to present at events or conferences related to transportation, accessibility, or urban planning will be available, offering visibility and a platform to advocate for change.
6. Access to Enhanced Funding and Resources:
   • Tier 2 grantees may receive additional funding opportunities or access to additional resources, which can further enhance their ability to execute and scale their projects. This could include dedicated funding for specific activities or additional materials and tools.
7. Collaborative Evaluation and Impact Measurement:
   • Tier 2 grantees will have the opportunity to engage in more collaborative evaluation methods with TCAT, utilizing advanced data analytics and participatory evaluation techniques to assess the impact of their work and inform future strategies.

By providing these additional resources, Tier 2 grants aim to support more ambitious projects with a broader scope and deeper integration into the transportation and accessibility data landscape.

• Community-Led Innovation: SCLIOs put decision-making in the hands of the people who are most affected by transportation and pedestrian access challenges. This ensures that projects reflect lived experiences, diverse needs, and local priorities.
  
• Specific and Actionable: Unlike broad infrastructure initiatives, SCLIOs focus on well-scoped, measurable goals within a defined area or context. This allows for targeted efforts that are manageable, achievable, and impactful.
  
• Encourages Collaboration: SCLIOs foster partnerships between community members, local organizations, and government agencies. This collaborative approach builds trust and strengthens relationships, creating a foundation for long-term success.
  
• Scalable Success Stories: Projects completed under the SCLIO framework can serve as replicable models for other communities, providing valuable lessons and insights that can be scaled to address regional or statewide needs.
  
• Funding and Support: By offering a clear framework and measurable outcomes, SCLIOs are well-suited for grant funding and public-private partnerships. They provide a mechanism to direct resources where they are needed most while ensuring accountability and transparency.

Each SCLIO begins with a collaborative process to identify a local need or opportunity. Communities can use OS-CONNECT to explore issues such as:

• Accessibility gaps in pedestrian infrastructure.
• Safety concerns near schools, transit stops, or high-traffic areas.
• Equity-focused projects addressing disparities in mobility or access to essential services.

Once a project is defined, the community works with OS-CONNECT tools and technical support to design, implement, and evaluate solutions. Deliverables might include maps, policy recommendations, or infrastructure improvements.

SCLIOs offer a unique opportunity for communities to lead the charge in improving transportation equity and accessibility. By bridging local knowledge with the powerful data and tools of OS-CONNECT, these projects ensure that the voices of Washingtonians drive meaningful change in their neighborhoods. They are an essential step toward creating safer, more inclusive, and more connected communities across the state.