Cycling and walking are not only great forms of exercise, but they also offer a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. However, making these modes of transportation accessible and safe for everyone can be a challenge. This is particularly true in cities with diverse populations. To promote cycling and walking among diverse populations, cities can take action in a number of ways.
Enhance Infrastructure
One of the simplest ways to promote cycling and walking is to create infrastructure that supports it. This might mean adding bike lanes to major roads or building a network of trails and walking paths. Ideally, this infrastructure should be completely separate from motor vehicle traffic to minimize the risk of accidents.
Ensure Equity In Infrastructure
When designing and building infrastructure for cycling and walking, it’s important to consider the needs of communities that are historically underserved. Low-income communities, for example, may not have equal access to parks and other spaces that could be used for cycling and walking. To address this issue, cities can prioritize the development of bike lanes, walking paths, and other infrastructure in these areas.
Publicize Infrastructure
Building infrastructure is only one part of the equation. To encourage people to use it, cities need to publicize the infrastructure they’ve created. This can be done through advertising campaigns, social media, or events. For example, cities might hold bike safety workshops or walking tours to show people how to use the new infrastructure safely.
Expand Public Transit
Public transit can be a barrier to cycling and walking. If people aren’t able to easily get to their destinations using public transportation, they’re more likely to rely on cars. To address this, cities can expand and improve their public transportation systems. This might mean adding more routes or improving the frequency and reliability of existing routes.
Implement Policies To Promote Cycling and Walking
Cities can also use policy levers to promote cycling and walking. For example, some cities have implemented policies that require new buildings to include bike parking and shower facilities for employees who bike to work. Other cities have created programs that incentivize people to walk or bike to work by offering rewards or discounts.
Address Safety Concerns
One of the biggest barriers to cycling and walking is safety. In some cities, cyclists and pedestrians are at risk of getting hit by cars because of poorly designed infrastructure or reckless drivers. To address these safety concerns, cities can take several actions. They can improve infrastructure by installing bike lanes and pedestrian crossings. They can also increase enforcement of traffic laws to deter dangerous driving.
Work With Community Leaders
To be effective, efforts to promote cycling and walking need to be grounded in the needs and preferences of the community. Cities can work with community leaders to ensure that their efforts align with the community’s goals. This might mean conducting surveys or holding public forums to gather feedback.
Conclusion
Promoting cycling and walking among diverse populations requires a multifaceted approach. Cities need to build infrastructure that supports these modes of transportation, publicize this infrastructure to encourage use, expand public transportation to make these modes of transportation easily accessible, implement policies to encourage their use and address safety concerns. Cities also need to work with community leaders to ensure their efforts align with the needs and preferences of the community. By taking these actions, cities can create a more sustainable and equitable transportation system.