Biking and Walking Investment=Improved Community Health and Safety, Report

Dedicated car-free paths that allow separate access for both cyclists and pedestrians is one way to improve transit infrastructure and save lives.

By Meagan Thibeault

Flirting with fatality on a narrow path hugging a metropolitan speedway can be enough to dishearten any bicyclist or pedestrian. Nevertheless, emerging onto a wide-open, freshly paved dedicated car-free lane can instantly revive that spark for self-mobility.

The correlation between improved walking and cycling infrastructure and the number of people who choose these forms of transit, is just one of the major findings in a recent report released by the Alliance for Biking and Walking.

A mere 9.6 percent of US trips are made biking or walking, but 13.1 percent of all traffic fatalities involve cyclists or pedestrians and less than two per cent of federal transportation dollars is spent on improving the situation.(Credit: Alliance for Biking and Walking)

Bicycling and Walking in the United States: The 2010 Benchmarking Report (available on the Alliance for Biking and Walking website: peoplepoweredmovement.org) discusses how more people are likely to engage in cycling and walking if more money is spent on these under-funded modes of travel. The US is currently investing less than two percent of total federal transportation dollars into developing and upgrading safe pathways for its emission-free travelers. This may be why it also has the lowest number of cyclists and pedestrians in comparison to other developed countries.

Safety is the main concern for those who lack a 4,000 pound metal shield. However, the report found that while 10 percent of US trips are made by pedaling or on foot, 13 percent of road fatalities involve cyclists or pedestrians.

“State investment choices can be a life or death issue for people who walk and bike,” said Jeff Miller, president of the Alliance. “Creating safe streets for everyone will save lives and improve health and quality of life in communities.”

This "complete street" in Amsterdam was built in order to give priority to all forms of transit, and pedestrians and cyclists are provided plenty of space at a safe distance from cars.

In addition to improved safety, the overall wellness of citizens would be another major benefit to spending more money on these active modes of travel. The report found that, on average, states with the highest levels of cyclists and pedestrians have the lowest levels of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Adults in these states are also likely to get at least 150 minutes of “moderate-intensity” exercise each week, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can reduce the chances of dying early from certain cancers and heart disease and result in longer, healthier lives.

“The more people bike and walk, the safer it is and the healthier the community. It’s a virtuous cycle,” Miller said.

The report also provides suggestions about how extra money can most effectively be put to use. Local policies for building “complete streets,” which give equal consideration to every mode of transit, is one proposal. Cycling and walking safety education, training and awareness campaigns for police officers, new drivers and the general public is another idea.

But none of this is possible without more spending towards people-powered travel. And if improved safety, health and overall quality of life are the returns, than it’s sure to be a wise investment.