摘要: |
Active transportation means walking, bicycle, or using devices such as scooters, segways, and even wheelchairs to go from home to work, school, groceries shopping, restaurants, healthcare, and other destinations. But for people to walk and bike safely from origin to destination, they need a safe infrastructure to do so. Providing an infrastructure of connected sidewalks, overpasses, bike paths, and trails will not only provide a safer and efficient way for people to commute, but would also create healthier communities. Having an active transportation infrastructure will enable people to improve their quality of life, but most importantly it allows transportation professionals to create positive equity outcomes for low-income communities. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IJJA) provides a funding mechanism and flexibility to the MPOs, cities, and states to create safer alternatives for all. It is up to us as transportation professionals to provide a complete network to create those safe connections to connect people to destinations. Most often, the connected network of sidewalks, bike paths, and trails are built around downtowns or wealthy communities, and not provided in low-income communities that can benefit from active transportation. Providing a safe active transportation infrastructure also includes lighting to make it safer for evening commuters and during daylight saving times changes. As transportation professionals, if we want to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, we need to start prioritizing where those active transportation infrastructure gaps are and build a safe and connected infrastructure that provides access to basic needs for all. |