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CDOT Launches $500,000 Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge

Do you think you can design a better transportation system? Do you have great ideas for moving pedestrians and cyclists more safely? If so, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) wants to hear from you. You could win thousands of dollars simply for offering a great idea, or for providing and executing a concrete plan of action.

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The RoadX Bicycle and Pedestrian Challenge is an endeavor to utilize innovative technology to improve the state’s transportation system and ultimately do a better job protecting bicyclists and pedestrians. RoadX is a partnership with the Colorado Innovation Network’s Imagine Colorado, the nation’s first statewide open innovation challenge platform created to spark new ideas.

Improving the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians is an important piece of CDOT’s goal of Moving Towards Zero Deaths. Bicyclist crashes represent 2 percent of all fatalities and 4 percent of all serious injuries in Colorado. Pedestrian crashes represent 10 percent of all fatalities and 7 percent of all serious injuries in the state. Whether biking or walking for commuting or for recreational purposes, bicycling and walking help improve health, preserve and enhance Colorado’s environment and increase mobility options. While many may look at the advent of self-driving and connected vehicles as a critical strategy to achieving zero deaths, CDOT strongly believes that technological innovation can and should also protect bicyclists and pedestrians.

A total of $500,000 will be awarded–$50,000 for the best ideas and the rest will go toward development of actionable concepts. The RoadX Challenge seeks input from entrepreneurs, idea makers, communities and others, and is divided into two tracks:

Track One, Idea-thon:

  • Submit a groundbreaking technological idea to improve bicycling and pedestrian safety
  • Up to five winners will be chosen with a prize of $10,000 each

Track Two, Do-athon:

  • Submit a unique and implementable idea and deploy the technology to make it happen within eight months
  • Up to five finalists will be chosen and each will receive $75,000 to build a proof of concept
  • The team that deploys the best working technology over eight months will receive $150,000 to continue the program. The runner up will receive $50,000 and third place will receive $25,000

The call for proposals is now open; all entries must be submitted through Imagine Colorado.  Proposals may be submitted in English or Spanish and are due February 27, 2017. The challenge is open to all Coloradans over the age of 18 who want to submit ideas either individually or in teams. Finalists will be selected on March 31, 2017.

 

Bicycle Colorado

About the Author: Bicycle Colorado

Bicycle Colorado is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Denver. We use advocacy, education and passion to make Colorado one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. We encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions and provide a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado. With the support of our members and numerous partnerships across the public and private sector, we’ve made significant strides in improving bicycling since 1992.

COMMENTS (3)

Steve - Reply

Two ideas:
1) License bicycle riders and hold them accountable for traffic violations. Fines and a point system similar to that for drivers. Stiff fines for riding w/o
a license.
2) A distinctive paint pattern on rumble strips, perhaps something as simple as painting the troughs.

- Reply

My daughter Brooke Brunsvold was killed on 911 2012 while walking across N287 and Diamond Circle in Lafayette colorado. She was in the crosswalk and thought she could beat the car witnesses say she thought she could beat the car after pushing the walk button that takes so long the result of a terrible tragic accident. Over the years I have seem many people do the exact same thing. As more business come up around the area I think my first Dream would be a Highway pedestrian and cycling over pass and name it “Brooke Lynn Bridge” My first born had just turned 16 and her Death impacted the entire Community. I would trade the winnings. On a smaller scale I think all major crossing should have an alert system that blinks when someone is in the crosswalk. Or the blink ing walking sign to remind pedestrians and cyclist to use better judgements while crossing and drivers can slow down and be a bit more cautious while driving. I see alot of People speed up in that intersection to avoid a red lights. Although the loss of my child Death has no bounds in the way of profound grief and we never tried to investigate or sue anyone I as her Mother can personally feel her soul asking me to try and make a difference so no one else has to die this way again.

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