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. Key Message: Provide the students with an overview of the lesson. Est. Presentation Time: 1 minute Suggested Comments: This slide is optional.

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. Key Message: Explain that urban design reflects the influence of the motor vehicle as the dominant transportation mode. Est. Presentation Time: 3 minutes Suggested Comments: Many cities have historic city centers and older neighborhoods that were designed to accommodate pedestrians, but most neighborhoods and commercial areas designed after WWII are almost completely oriented to automobile access. They typically lack sidewalks, and streets are wide and difficult to cross. The next slides show some examples of this dichotomy between the pre- and post-WWII styles of development.

Influence of Automobile on Design Key Message: Our roadway system does not always support bicycling and walking; it is primarily designed to support automobile transportation. Est. Presentation Time: 3 minutes Suggested Comments: How many of you have ever had to walk along a road like this? Would you feel out of place? How many of you have had to catch a bus while waiting on the side of a road like this?

Influence of Automobile on Design Key Message: The design of commercial areas reflects the influence of the motor vehicle as the dominant transportation mode. Est. Presentation Time: 5 minutes Suggested Comments: Here are two examples of commercial areas that were developed before and after the 1940s. Both of these commercial areas have sidewalks—but which one is more walkable? The picture at the right was taken in Lititz, Pennsylvania—just north of Lancaster. The picture at left could be taken nearly anywhere in the United States. Describe the differences you see in these two styles of development. (Instructor—As an ancillary exercise, you can have the students discuss which style of development has become a more profitable place to locate your business today, and why.)

Influence of Automobile on Design Key Message: The design of residential areas reflects the influence of the motor vehicle as the dominant transportation mode. Est. Presentation Time: 5 minutes Suggested Comments: Here are two examples of residential areas that were also developed before and after the 1940s. Again, both have sidewalks—but which one is more walkable? The picture at the right was taken in Birmingham, Alabama. The picture at left was taken in a new residential development in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Describe the differences you see in these two styles of development. (Instructor—As an ancillary exercise, you can have the students discuss real estate trends and speculate as to which style of residential development has a higher value today, and why.)

Benefits of Bicycling and Walking Transportation. Environment. Economy. Quality of life. Health. Key Message: Increased levels of bicycling and walking result in significant benefits in terms of health and physical fitness, the environment, and transportation-related effects. Est. Presentation Time: Less than 1 minute Suggested Comments: Let’s discuss each of these.

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. Key Message: There are significant opportunities to convert short auto trips we make in the United States to bicycling and walking trips. Est. Presentation Time: 3–5 minutes Suggested Comments: These are a few statistics that show the significant opportunities we have to reduce our reliance on automobile travel in the United States. References: 2001 National Household Transportation Survey, League of American Bicyclists Press Release

Environment Air pollution contributes to 70,000 deaths nationwide each year. Short auto trips produce far more pollution per mile than longer trips. Key Message: Increased levels of bicycling and walking result in significant benefits to the environment. Est. Presentation Time: 3–5 minutes Suggested Comments: Automobile exhaust is a significant source of nonpoint source pollution in our air and water in the United States. References: Harvard School of Public Health, Federal Highway Administration

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. Key Message: Increased levels of bicycling and walking result in significant health benefits. Est. Presentation Time: 3–5 minutes Suggested Comments: Review each of the slide bullets. References: Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Surgeon General

Government and Community Support Federal legislation and guidance. State and MPO programs. Rising levels of public concern about bicycling and walking conditions. Key Message: There is a rising level of citizen and governmental support for providing better opportunities for nonmotorized transportation. Est. Presentation Time: 3–5 minutes Suggested Comments: The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 is now viewed as the Federal act that initiated a major policy shift in Federal funding priorities in the United States, making Federal funds much more accessible for State and local bicycling and walking facilities and programs. Subsequent Federal transportation legislation (the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century or TEA-21) has strengthened the emphasis on improving conditions for bicycling and walking. FHWA has issued Program Guidance implementing the bicycle and pedestrian provisions of the TEA-21 legislation. In 2000, FHWA issued its design guidance language calling for the routine inclusion of provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians on all federally funded surface transportation projects. State DOTs and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have also increased their support for bicycling and walking. This increased level of government support probably stems from the rising concern among citizens that there are too few transportation options and from the desire to make bicycling and walking conditions better. (Cite polls from section 1.6 of the Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Student Workbook (Student Workbook).) Several trends in transportation planning point to a promising future for bicycling and walking. New energy, funding, and political support are being given to programs that reduce reliance on the private motor vehicle and encourage bicycling and walking.

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. Key Message: Several trends in transportation planning point to a promising future for bicycling and walking. New energy, funding, and political support are being given to programs that reduce reliance on the private motor vehicle and encourage bicycling and walking. Est. Presentation Time: 5 minutes Suggested Comments: Refer to Student Workbook for more information on these bullets.

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. Key Message: Summarize the lesson and discuss any questions or issues with students. Est. Presentation Time: 3–5 minutes Suggested Comments: Summarize the lesson and discuss any questions or issues with students.