Publication No. FHWA-HRT-05-086

Federal Highway Administration University Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

Lesson 1

The Need forBicycle and Pedestrian Mobility

2-2

Lesson Outline

• Urban/suburban development and travel examples.

• The benefits of bicycling and walking: transportation, environment, health.

• Community and government support.• Planning trends.

2-3

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.

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Influence of Automobile on Design

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Influence of Automobile on Design

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Influence of Automobile on Design

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Benefits of Bicycling and Walking

• Transportation.• Environment.• Economy.• Quality of life.• Health.

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• 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.

Transportation Opportunities

References: 2001 National Household Transportation Survey, League of American Bicyclists Press Release

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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

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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

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Government and Community Support

• Federal legislation and guidance.• State and MPO programs.• Rising levels of public concern about

bicycling and walking conditions.

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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.

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• 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.

Lesson Summary