15.2 Active transportation and non-motorized modes
3 min read•july 30, 2024
Active transportation is a game-changer for sustainable cities. It's all about getting around using our own power - walking, biking, or rolling. This eco-friendly approach cuts pollution, eases traffic jams, and makes neighborhoods more livable.
Non-motorized modes offer a ton of perks. They boost our health, save us money, and bring communities closer together. With the right infrastructure and planning, active transportation can transform urban spaces into greener, happier places to live.
Active Transportation in Sustainability
Defining Active Transportation
Top images from around the web for Defining Active Transportation
Pressenza - Bike City Copenhagen: This Is The Ultimate Bicycle Friendly City View original
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CLEAN MOBILITY INSTEAD OF DIRTY TRAFFIC | Some action fields… | Flickr View original
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Cycling Copenhagen: The Making of a Bike-Friendly City | Heinrich Böll Stiftung | Brussels ... View original
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Pressenza - Bike City Copenhagen: This Is The Ultimate Bicycle Friendly City View original
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CLEAN MOBILITY INSTEAD OF DIRTY TRAFFIC | Some action fields… | Flickr View original
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Top images from around the web for Defining Active Transportation
Pressenza - Bike City Copenhagen: This Is The Ultimate Bicycle Friendly City View original
Is this image relevant?
CLEAN MOBILITY INSTEAD OF DIRTY TRAFFIC | Some action fields… | Flickr View original
Is this image relevant?
Cycling Copenhagen: The Making of a Bike-Friendly City | Heinrich Böll Stiftung | Brussels ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Pressenza - Bike City Copenhagen: This Is The Ultimate Bicycle Friendly City View original
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CLEAN MOBILITY INSTEAD OF DIRTY TRAFFIC | Some action fields… | Flickr View original
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Human-powered transportation encompasses walking, cycling, skateboarding, and wheelchair use
Sustainable transportation systems meet present mobility needs without compromising future generations
Active transportation reduces greenhouse gas emissions and decreases traffic congestion in urban areas
Integration into urban planning promotes compact, mixed-use development patterns
Contributes to livable communities by enhancing social interaction and neighborhood connectivity
Environmental and Urban Impact
Improves air quality through reduced vehicle emissions (carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides)
Leads to more efficient land use and reduced urban sprawl
Decreases noise pollution in cities (traffic noise reduction of up to 10 decibels)
Enhances green spaces and urban biodiversity (green corridors, parklets)
Reduces heat island effect in urban areas (increased vegetation, reduced pavement)
End-of-trip facilities supporting active commuting (secure bike parking, showers, lockers)
Network Connectivity and Accessibility
Seamless transitions between different modes of active transportation and public transit
Wayfinding systems and signage for pedestrians and cyclists (maps, distance markers)
Accessible design for all users (curb cuts, tactile paving, audible signals)
Green corridors and multi-use paths connecting key destinations
Bridge and tunnel infrastructure for crossing major barriers (rivers, highways)
Integrating Active Transportation
Overcoming Challenges
Retrofitting car-centric infrastructure to accommodate active modes
Addressing safety concerns in high-speed or high-volume traffic areas
Overcoming cultural and social barriers prioritizing car use
Developing comprehensive policies integrating active transportation in planning
Managing conflicts between different road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorists)
Leveraging Opportunities
Emerging technologies extend reach of active transportation (e-bikes, shared micromobility)
Creating multimodal transportation hubs integrating active modes with public transit
Implementing education programs to promote benefits and encourage behavior change
Utilizing data analytics for evidence-based planning and infrastructure improvements
Engaging community stakeholders in participatory design processes for active transportation projects
Key Terms to Review (3)
Complete Streets: Complete streets are designed to provide safe and accessible transportation options for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders. This approach emphasizes integrating various transportation modes and enhancing the overall livability of urban areas, recognizing the essential connection between land use and transportation planning. By promoting a balanced transportation network, complete streets aim to encourage active transportation, improve public health, and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
Transportation Demand Management: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) refers to strategies and policies aimed at reducing travel demand, particularly during peak periods, in order to improve the efficiency of transportation systems. TDM encourages alternative modes of transport, such as carpooling, public transit, walking, and biking, while also promoting land-use practices that reduce dependency on single-occupancy vehicles.
Walkability: Walkability refers to the measure of how friendly an area is to walking, taking into account factors such as distance to amenities, safety, and the quality of the pedestrian environment. It plays a critical role in promoting sustainable transportation options, enhancing community interaction, and reducing dependence on motor vehicles. Walkable neighborhoods not only improve physical health by encouraging active transportation but also contribute to environmental sustainability and economic vitality.