Transcript The Need for Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility

Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
Publication No. FHWA-HRT-05-086
The Need for
Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility
Lesson 1
Lesson Outline
• Urban/suburban development and travel
examples.
• The benefits of bicycling and walking:
transportation, environment, health.
• Community and government support.
• Planning trends.
2-2
Urban/Suburban Development and
Travel
• Bicycling and walking have become novelty
experiences.
• Development follows the lead of the
predominant personal transportation mode.
• Planning and zoning regulations have
favored low-density, automobile-oriented
development.
• Many planners and designers still do not
consider pedestrians and bicyclists.
2-3
Influence of Automobile on Design
2-4
Influence of Automobile on Design
2-5
Influence of Automobile on Design
2-6
Benefits of Bicycling and Walking
•
•
•
•
•
Transportation.
Environment.
Economy.
Quality of life.
Health.
2-7
Transportation Opportunities
•
•
•
Half of all trips are shorter than 3 miles— a
15-minute bike ride.
Forty percent of U.S. adults say they would
commute by bike if safe facilities were
available.
Gallup poll—2002: Half of U.S. adults favor
providing bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
even if it means less space for automobiles.
References: 2001 National Household Transportation Survey,
League of American Bicyclists Press Release
2-8
Environment
• Air pollution
contributes to
70,000 deaths
nationwide each
year.
• Short auto trips
produce far more
pollution per mile
than longer trips.
References: Harvard School of Public Health,
Federal Highway Administration
2-9
Health Benefits
• There are nearly twice
as many overweight
children as in 1980.
• Obesity and overweight
are linked to the
Nation’s number one
killer—heart disease—as
well as diabetes.
• Thirty minutes of
routine exercise (such
as walking) per day can
significantly improve
health.
References: Centers for Disease
Control, U.S. Surgeon General
2-10
Government and
Community Support
• Federal legislation and guidance.
• State and MPO programs.
• Rising levels of public concern about
bicycling and walking conditions.
2-11
Planning Trends
•
•
•
•
•
•
Complete Streets policies.
Trends in commercial and residential design.
Safe Routes to Schools programs.
Interconnected trail networks.
Roadway design that favors lower speeds.
More public involvement in transportation
planning process.
2-12
Lesson Summary
• Post-WW II development plans have
hampered the ability to accommodate bicycle
and pedestrian travel.
• There are many reasons to encourage the use
of nonmotorized transportation.
• Currently, there is strong government and
community support for walking and biking.
• This support is leading to positive trends in
planning and roadway design.
2-13