4 Bicycle + Pedestrian Element
Multimodal Planning Considerations
Benefits of Biking and Walking Biking and walking are key elements to any healthy community’s transportation system. When an environment is conducive to active transportation, these modes offer a practical transportation choice that provides benefits for both individuals and their communities. The potential for increased walking, in particular, is large since 25% of all trips in the United States are less than one mile in length. Features that contribute to making transportation more active include a healthy mix of land uses, appropriately sized and located facilities, accessibility features such as curb ramps, buffers between vehicular traffic and non- motorized modes (where suitable), and trees to shade walking routes where possible. Slowing traffic, reducing unnecessary exposure to vehicles, and incorporating active transportation features (i.e., signage, crosswalks, and adequate pedestrian phasing at signals) into future roadway design plans will also enhance bikeability and walkability. The bicycle and pedestrian recommendations in this chapter emphasize the creation of a functional active transportation network throughout the entire Town. This element recognizes the variety of benefits of active transportation and how it contributes to the community. These benefits include:
Communities with successful transportation networks balance multimodal accommodations for different types of trips – recreational and transportation. In order to plan for multimodal elements that would enhance the region’s overall livability, the 2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan explores ways to enhance the existing transportation network to truly serve all community transportation users. This active transportation element embodies how local decisions can enhance the overall mobility and safety for bicyclist and pedestrians. The recommended plan incorporates a new vision for the future of Fuquay- Varina that attempts to meet an increasing demand for bicycle and pedestrian facilities that serve the needs of all users and comfort levels. This plan for bicyclists and pedestrians coordinates closely with other elements, notably through an emphasis on incidental projects tied to roadway recommendations and ultimate cross sections presented in Chapter 3. Additionally, the enhanced on-street multimodal accommodations are envisioned to provide space for micromobility solutions where people need or choose to use assisted mobility devices such as electric bicycles or scooters in lieu of traditional vehicles. Guiding Statements Enhancing the active transportation network supports the Fuquay-Varina 2040 CTP’s goals and objectives in a number of ways, and ties back to several of the plan’s overall guiding statements:
Health Benefits
Transportation Benefits
Many streets carry more traffic than they were designed to handle, resulting in congestion, wasted time, pollution, and driver frustration. Many of the trips that Americans make every day are short enough to be accomplished on foot or by bike.
Network Mobility: Providing viable means of alternative transportation can lessen the demand placed on the Town’s roads and highways, thereby lessening congestion, parking demand, and travel delay
Regular physical activity helps prevent or reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases, obesity, and mental health problems such as depression.
Economic Vitality: Many studies have shown that increased biking and walking can increase the amount of economic activity along a corridor, as well as the amount of time and money spent at local businesses.
Environmental Benefits
Economic Benefits
Multimodal Options: Providing additional transportation choice increases the transportation options available to the entire community, and specifically improves accessibility for those who do not have access to or prefer not to drive a vehicle.
Car ownership consumes a major portion of many family incomes. When safe facilities are provided for bicyclists and pedestrians, people can bike or walk more and spend less on transportation, putting more money back into local economies.
Motor vehicles create substantial air pollution. According to the EPA, transportation is responsible for nearly 80% of carbon monoxide emissions in the U.S.
Neighborhood Character: High-quality bicycle and pedestrian facilities are highly desirable and enhance the quality of life, health and recreation opportunities, and social interaction opportunities in the neighborhoods surrounding them.
Quality of Life Benefits
Social Justice
Safety & Security: Feeling unsafe is one of the main reasons many people avoid biking and walking around their community. Enhancing safety by providing separated facilities and improving crossings can help reduce risk and promote active transportation.
The walkability and bikeability of a community is an indicator of its livability, which helps attract businesses and grow tourism-related activity. By providing appropriate bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities, communities contribute to a healthy sense of identity and sense of place.
For those who do not have the option to drive, such as adolescents, elderly, those unable to afford a car, and people with certain disabilities, these facilities provide another transportation choice and break down barriers to accessing jobs, healthcare, education, and recreation.
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Town of Fuquay-Varina
2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan
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