Benefits of Cycling and Walking Cycling 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 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 study area. This focus recognizes the variety of benefits of active transportation and how it contributes to the community. These benefits include: · Health benefits – Regular physical activity helps prevent or reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases, obesity, and mental health problems such as depression. · 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. · Environmental benefits - Motor vehicles create substantial air pollution. According to the EPA, transportation is responsible for nearly 80% of carbon monoxide emissions in the U.S. · Economic benefits – Car ownership consumes a major portion of many family incomes. When safe facilities are provided for cyclists and pedestrians, people can bike or walk more and spend less on transportation, putting more money back into local economies. · Quality of life benefits – 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. · Social justice –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.
Chapter 4: Bicycle & Pedestrian Element| page 4 - 2
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