Beyond the Traffic Signal: Advanced Intersection Design for Safety & Flow

October 14 - October 15

About this event

The intersection is not the problem. The way we think about it is.

Traffic signals are overused. Space is surrendered to automobiles. Safety improvements that could be transformational remain stubbornly incremental. Not because better solutions don’t exist, but because they feel out of reach: too unfamiliar, too disconnected from local practice, too hard to defend in a staff report. This two-day masterclass changes that.

The Advanced Intersection Design for Safety & Flow Masterclass is a two-day, in-person training that rethinks how intersections are planned and designed in North America. Grounded in Dutch-inspired best practices and Mobycon’s national and international experience, this workshop challenges conventional assumptions and introduces a network-first approach to intersection design. Participants will explore how network planning, access hierarchy, multimodal priority, and flow-based thinking can fundamentally reshape intersection outcomes. This workshop teaches how to move beyond incremental safety improvements toward more intuitive, human-centered solutions. From neighborhood streets to major arterials, the course covers a full range of intersection types and emerging strategies, including when traffic signals are no longer the default. The training is led by Nick Falbo and Matt Pinder, Mobycon’s senior experts in the planning and design of streets, networks, and intersections.

“I enjoyed being able to see real life examples of topics, then see similar areas nearby where things could be implemented and work through the potential designs” City of Milwaukee 

“The group exercises proved to be the most enjoyable and informative part of the experience. … The central insight gained from the workshop is the Dutch approach to designing transportation facilities, which places a strong emphasis on accommodating all modes of transportation, with a particular focus on walking and cycling. I believe we can learn from this approach and apply it to our own projects.”Delaware DOT 

“It was a real pleasure to attend this Mobycon workshop. It was well-organized, interactive, and brought new ideas and perspectives to challenges that I have been thinking about and working on for several years. Thank you!” EnviroCentre  

“Mobycon organized the tour very well with versatile and interesting insights throughout the program!” 

“Mobycon is a first-class strategic partner – if you want to learn how to make your city less dependent on the car, talk to them!” World Bank  

 Learning Objectives

Over two days, you’ll learn how to rethink intersections from the ground up. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 

  • Apply a network-first design approach to define intersection function based on surrounding context, movement patterns, and modal priorities  
  • Identify appropriate intersection typologies across a range of contexts, from local streets to major arterials  
  • Design safer, more intuitive intersections using proven elements such as protected intersections, continuous side street crossings, and compact roundabouts  
  • Evaluate when and how to use (or remove) signals, including an introduction to designalization strategies  
  • Translate design concepts into layout-level solutions through sketching, diagramming, and group-based exercises  
  • Integrate Dutch-inspired principles, including safety, comfort, directness, and clarity, into everyday project work 
  • Explore North American streets and intersections that have applied these principles, including through field observations

Learning Environment

Our training team will create a highly interactive, hands-on learning experience. Through a mix of classroom sessions, field observation, and small-group design exercises, participants will apply concepts in real-world contexts and develop practical solutions they can take back to their own projects. Planners, engineers, and designers will leave with a clear, repeatable process for tackling complex intersections. Whether advancing a corridor study or rethinking a single intersection, attendees will leave with the tools and confidence to deliver safer, more effective designs.

Target Audience

This training opportunity is designed for mid-career professionals in planning, engineering and design who are ready to push beyond conventional approaches and deliver safer, more effective intersections. 

  • Transportation planners 
  • Traffic and civil engineers 
  • Urban and street designers 
  • Bicycle, pedestrian, and active transportation coordinators 
  • Vision Zero and road safety specialists 
  • Municipal and public works project managers

Training Team

Matt – Mobycon mobility expert profile photo

Matt Pinder, P.Eng., M.Eng.   

Matt Pinder is a transportation engineer and nationally recognized leader in multimodal street and intersection design, specializing in active transportation facilities for users of all ages and abilities, road safety, and transit access. With more than a decade of experience in transportation planning and engineering, Matt has helped shape the next generation of complete streets and bikeway design practice across Canada.  

Matt has advised on and delivered concept and detailed designs for award-winning complete streets and cycling infrastructure projects, including the City of Toronto’s York University Cycling Connections project. He is widely recognized for his leadership in professional training and guidance development, including the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 18: Cycling Facilities training program, which he has delivered to more than 600 professionals. He currently serves as Chair of the Transportation Association of Canada’s Active Transportation Integrated Committee and is a recipient of both the TAC Young Transportation Professional Award and the APBP Young Professional of the Year Award.

Nick Falbo – protected intersection designer and mobility expert

Nick Falbo 

Nick Falbo is an urban transportation planner, educator, and internationally recognized innovator in multimodal street and intersection design. He is best known for introducing and popularizing the “Protected Intersection” concept in North America, helping bring Dutch-inspired intersection design principles into mainstream U.S. and Canadian practice. Nick specializes in the design of transportation networks, public spaces, and complete streets that prioritize safety, comfort, and multimodal mobility. His career spans leadership roles in both the private and public sectors, including work as a Senior Transportation Planner at the Portland Bureau of Transportation. He contributed to early editions of the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide, teaches urban mobility planning at Portland State University, and is a frequent speaker and trainer for agencies and industry organizations throughout North America. Known for his dynamic communication style and systems-thinking approach, Nick combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to help communities implement transformative transportation projects.  

Jamie Arnau, AICP

Jamie Arnau is an integrated mobility consultant and certified planner specializing in multimodal transportation planning, visual communication, and community engagement. She brings a unique blend of planning expertise and graphic storytelling, helping translate complex transportation concepts into clear, accessible, and people-centered design solutions. 

What’s Included?

  • Full two-day instruction with experienced practitioners 
  • Electronic copies of all course materials 
  • Lunch, morning and afternoon coffee breaks on both days 
  • Certificate of completion 

Please note: participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. 

Payment Options 

Please be advised that we require full payment to hold your spot. Payment can be made via credit card by following the link below. We also accept ACH payments. If you employer requires a purchase order or invoice, please contact academy@mobycon.com.

Group Discounts 

We offer group discounts. Please see FAQ for more info.  

Cancellation  

 Cancellations made 30 or more days before the event are eligible for a full refund. No refunds are available within 30 days of the event; however, substitutions are welcome (with permission). In the unlikely event that Mobycon cancels or postpones, you will be offered a full refund or credit toward a future event. For all enquiries contact academy@mobycon.com. 

About Mobycon

Mobycon is an independent international consultancy specializing in innovative and sustainable mobility solutions.  With nearly 40 years of experience in the Netherlands and offices across the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe, Mobycon supports clients working to move beyond traditional transportation practices with evidence-based solutions for today’s mobility challenges. Our proven method combines coaching, consulting and capacity building to generate results.   

Join the growing list of professionals and organizations who have benefited from a Mobycon training session.

 

FAQ

How will you ensure the course material is relatable to North American practitioners?  

We cannot simply copy and paste solutions from the Netherlands or elsewhere. That’s why the training is led by Mobycon’s North American staff, who work daily with Canadian and U.S. clients to advance change and best practices on this side of the ocean. The training will introduce Dutch principles but with a heavy focus on translating them to work under local contexts considering regulations (e.g., highway traffic acts) and design guidance (e.g., MUTCD, TAC, AASHTO). We will feature inspiring North American examples of the designs that we teach – some you’ll even get to see in-person. 

Can Mobycon offer customized training for a public or private organization?   

Yes! Our team delivers customized in-person training on location, tailored to your organization’s specific context and projects. For more info, visit our website or contact Elizabeth Allingham, Director – North America at e.allingham@mobycon.com to discuss your needs and timeframe. 

Is this training accredited?  

Yes and no. Many participants have been able to get accreditation for attending our training sessions in the past. Credit recognition is subject to your professional body’s policies. We recommend checking with your association if you have questions about eligibility. Certificates of completion are issued to all participants who complete the full two-day workshop. Participants are responsible for self-reporting credits to their professional body in accordance with its continuing education policies. 

Do you offer a group discount?  

Bringing your team? Organizations registering six or more participants receive one free seat. Group registrations can be combined with early bird pricing for maximum savings. To arrange a group booking, contact us at academy@mobycon.com. All participants must be from the same organization. 

Are you offering more trainings in the future?  

Yes, to stay up to date on all of our capacity building offerings please subscribe to our newsletter here.

Where can I find a detailed agenda of the training session? 

A full agenda will be provided to registered participants in advance of the training.  

Will there be a way to communicate accessibility needs or dietary requirements?  

Yes, you will have a chance to communicate this to us after you have paid and registered for the training.  

Where will the training take place? 

The training will be taking place in downtown Portland. Exact location will be shared with registered participants.

What is the language of instruction?  

The training session will be offered in English.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?  

  • Full refunds are available for cancellations made 30 or more days before the event start date. 
  • No refunds are available for cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the event. 
  • Substitutions are welcome at any time. If you are unable to attend, you may send a colleague in your place — simply notify us in advance. 
  • If Mobycon cancels or postpones an event, registered participants will be offered a choice of a full refund or a credit toward a future Mobycon event. 

For all registration, cancellation, and substitution enquiries please contactacademy@mobycon.com

Details

Venue info

  • Portland
  • United States

Event info

  • October 14
  • 12 am CEST

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Attending Mobycon employees

  • Profile picture of Nick Falbo

    Nick 

    Falbo

    Senior Integrated Mobility Consultant

  • Profile picture of Matt Pinder

    Matt 

    Pinder

    Senior Mobility Consultant

  • Profile picture of Jamie Arnau

    Jamie 

    Arnau

    Integrated Mobility Consultant

    Get in touch

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