As population grows and cities become more congested, infrastructure projects are instrumental in ensuring efficient movement of people, goods, and vehicles. However, infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and highways often have significant impacts on local economies, particularly through disruptions caused by construction. In such cases, cycling and walking have been identified as viable means of transport that can help mitigate the negative economic impacts caused by construction.
Overview of the negative economic impacts of infrastructure development
Infrastructure projects such as road expansions, bridges and highways, often require the temporary or permanent closure of roads, limiting access to businesses and other facilities. This can result in local business closures, reduced foot traffic, and ultimately, job losses. This disruption can also lead to longer commute times and push retailers, homeowners, and businesses to seek relocation, reducing property values and stifling economic growth.
The role of cycling and walking during infrastructure construction
When infrastructure construction disrupts traffic and affects the local economy, cycling and walking offer alternative modes of transportation that can be essential in mitigating economic impacts. For one, cycling and walking promote physical activity and reduce carbon emissions, making them environmentally friendly. These modes of transportation also allow residents to access areas that are otherwise difficult to reach by car, promoting the growth of local businesses and community development.
Promotion of healthy and active lifestyles
Cycling and walking can help maintain, or even increase, consumer purchasing power for local businesses during construction. By implementing cycling and walking infrastructure during construction, residents can still access local businesses and other amenities while avoiding the impacts of construction on traffic. This is particularly essential for tourism-dependent economies, where attracting visitors is crucial in maintaining and growing local businesses in the face of disruption of the transportation network.
Improved Accessibility
During construction, walking and cycling enable the local population to connect with economic centers and areas of productivity despite major disruptions to the road and transport network. For example, if construction is being carried out on a busy road, the public can use alternative cycle routes or walkway(s) to reach their destinations. By doing this, they can also get to know the local business offerings and, in the long run, contribute to boosting local economies.
Cost-effective solution
Cycling and walking do not require any significant investments in infrastructure, unlike cars. As such, during times of construction, cycling and walking are cost-effective alternatives that local authorities can implement to reduce the economic impact of infrastructure work on local businesses. They can be an essential and complementary solution to traditional transportation, at a time when affordability, quick access and convenience are more desirable than ever before.
Conclusion
Infrastructure projects are important for ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of people and goods, however, they can cause significant disruptions to local economies. Cycling and walking are not only environmentally friendly, they also provide an essential and cost-effective transportation solution during infrastructure development and maintenance. Through alternative transportation infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, local authorities can facilitate continued access to local businesses as well as prevent job and business losses in the face of transport infrastructure disruption. It is essential for local authorities to invest in cycling and walking infrastructure given their potential to mitigate the adverse economic impacts of infrastructure projects on local communities.