Planning is important so that state DOTs have processes for improving bicycling and walking, and for providing a basis for partnership and collaboration with local jurisdictions. More than 96 percent of the cities included in the Benchmarking Project - composed of the 50 largest cities in the US, the largest city in each state, and all Platinum Bicycle Friendly Communities - have adopted a bicycle, pedestrian, or combined active transportation plan. On average, the first year a plan was adopted for these cities was 2001.