It used to make me laugh to see people drive to the gym to walk on a treadmill or ride on a stationary bike. I would ask myself why they didn't just walk or bike to where they were going instead. But then I thought - hang on - that is our problem as city planners and engineers to have made basic human movement so uncomfortable in our modern cities. I am glad to say that I am now a part of a change and am excited to work with colleagues and clients who share my desire of making walking and biking accessible, affordable, and fun!
Adrian brings a diverse background in transportation planning and engineering, and strong skills in project delivery and technical writing. Trained as an engineer, his experience has spanned the boundaries of both engineering and planning and his intimate knowledge of the needs and workings of all modes of transportation enable him to determine the most effective and considerate pedestrian and cycling solutions. Adrian brings global experience to Alta, having held positions in Australia, the United States, and Canada, which have included numerous transportation applications including safety, operations, and design. He prides himself in being able to deliver innovative and comprehensive solutions to pedestrian and bicycle projects.
Recent Projects
Portland Bikeway Project Development, OR
Alta is assisting the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) in an effort to upgrade and enhance five of the City’s most challenging and politically-sensitive bikeway corridors. Alta is leading the effort to take these projects to the next level while attaining broad support from corridor users and affected stakeholders alike. Adrian is responsible for developing and analyzing corridor concepts and for the overall delivery of the project.
Ashland Transportation System Plan, OR
Alta is assisting the City in providing sustainable transportation facilities to residents and visitors of Ashland. This includes the goal of no additional lane miles and a bicycle and pedestrian network that works in conjunction with vehicular operational goals of level of service (LOS). Enhancement of bicycle and pedestrian goals with initiatives such as free transit are also being explored.
Sechelt Active Transportation Plan*
As part of a Community Planning Grant from Built Environment and Active Transportation, Adrian prepared an Active Transportation (AT) Plan for the District of Sechelt. The AT Plan made best use of low-cost opportunities and overlaps with other utility and road construction projects. The study investigated infrastructure, program, and policy needs to encourage active transportation modes as viable transportation options in the community.
- Third Street Pedestrian/Bicycle Route, City of North Vancouver, B.C.*
This project was a feasibility study of implementing active transportation facilities on a constrained section of 3rd Street. Adrian explored opportunities and constraints presented by the corridor, and evaluated safety, cost, right-of-way, traffic impact, and integration with existing and future facilities. A conceptual design was prepared for the preferred option along with a detailed evaluation of the traffic safety and operational impacts of the change. Metro Vancouver Public Bike System Feasibility Study*
Adrian helped TransLink investigate the feasibility of implementing a Public Bike System (PBS) in Vancouver’s Metropolitan Core. Adrian was responsible for a local context analysis to identify and compare characteristics of cities with successful PBS to those of Metro Vancouver, including population density, demographics, mode share, transportation infrastructure, and the policy environment.
Pacific Centre Bike Station Feasibility Study*
The operator of the Pacific Centre retained Adrian to investigate the feasibility of a full-service bike center as part of the future redevelopment of the site. The bike center would include charged bike parking, end-of-trip facilities, complementary retail, and other bike-related services.
Central Valley Greenway Safety Audit*
Adrian was part of an audit team commissioned by the funding partners of the Central Valley Greenway to perform design and in-service safety audits of two proposed alternatives to a pedestrian overpass. Potential safety issues and mitigations were identified.
Downtown Vancouver Transportation & Emergency Management System*
Adrian was involved in the development of the Downtown Vancouver Transportation and Emergency Management System (DVTEMS), an emergency planning tool that focuses on the movement of pedestrians in and around the Stadium precinct in Downtown Vancouver for day-to-day, emergency, and event conditions. His involvement included a determination of the appropriate modeling software platform, the development of emergency scenarios, and the identification of model inputs.
Selected Publications
- Witte, A. (2009) Advanced Concepts in Bicycle Parking. Presented at the Transportation Association of Canada’s Annual Meeting in Vancouver, BC, at the Vancouver Museum’s Park This! Event, and interviewed on CBC Radio.
Witte, A. and Dorby, P. (2009) Characteristics of Successful Public Bike Systems. Presented at the Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers Annual Meeting in Montreal PQ.
Witte, A. and Farquharson, J. (2008) Travel Demand Forecasting for the Vancouver – Whistler 2010 Olympic Games. Presented at the Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers Annual Meeting in Victoria BC.
Knapp, K., Lyon, C., Witte, A., Kienert, C. (2007) Crash or Carcass Data: Critical Definition and Evaluation Choice. Transportation Research Record No. 2019 Transportation Research Board, Washington DC.
Witte, A. (2006) A Five-Year Analysis of the Safety Impacts of Crossover Median Crashes in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin – Madison.
*Completed while working for another firm.
