Active Transportation on the Rise

Transcription

1 Integrated Approaches to Shared-Use Paths Doug Sarkkinen, PE Windi Shapley, PE Mandi Roberts, AICP, PLA

2 Why? Biking and walking are important active transportation options. Shared-use paths are critical facilities within our regional transportation systems. Shared-use paths can increase, complement, and enhance transit use through seamless connections.

3 Overview of Our Presentation Integrating paths and trails to relieve congestion Implementation results The process Important things to consider in planning and design

4 Definitions Multi-Use Trail (old) Nonmotorized Trail (old) Shared-Use Path (new) WSDOT defines a Shared-Use Path as: a facility physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic within the highway right-of-way or on an exclusive right-of-way with minimal cross flow by motor vehicles

5 Definitions Nonmotorized Transportation (old) Bicycle and Pedestrian (newer) Active Transportation (new) WSDOT: Active Transportation is about giving people safe options for getting from one place to another using "active" modes such as walking and bicycling.

6 Paths Reduce Traffic Congestion Reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips Encourage bus/transit ridership, biking, walking More efficient transportation Many other benefits

7 Main Uses of Paths Regular Commuters Recreation Special Events Transit to Trails TriMet is your connection to nature in the city. We need to accept urban trails as part of the commuter network.

8 Statistics Currently over 1000 miles of shared-use paths in the State of Washington. Yet, overall in the US: The number of children riding bicycles declined by more than 20% between 2000 and 2010 (even as the number of children in this country increased by 3%), while the number of adults riding bicycles increased slightly. Gluskin Townley Group, 2011 The American Bicyclist Study

9 Statistics A census of cyclists in Calgary, Canada found that 75% of cyclists commuting downtown were male. Women were more likely than men to be possible or occasional cyclists, while men were more likely than women to be regular cyclists. Women were more concerned about safety, being able to carry daily items, and the need to fix their hair. Twaddle, H., et al., 2011 Latent bicycle commuting demand and effects of gender on commuter cycling and accident rates, Transportation Research Record, 2190/2010, 28-36

10 Statistics From the Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan, 2007

11 Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections to Transit FHWA course on bicycle and pedestrian transportation Seattle METRO Non-motorized Access Study Studies and case histories show that there is great potential for increase transit ridership by providing station and vehicle amenities More work needed particularly in Washington

12 Quote 7 Best Practices Bicycle Access to Transit The Portland Bureau of Transportation Bicycle Program estimates that providing improved access for bicyclists increases the capture area of transit investments twelve-fold.

13 Station and Vehicle Amenities Trail access to park and rides Pedestrian short cuts Wider sidewalks, bike lanes Lighting Bike storage and racks at transit centers Bike racks on transit vehicles

14 Bicycles and Transit Typically allowed at no extra cost Sometimes limited capacity Bike storage facilities at transit centers

15 Bicycle and Pedestrian Counters Fremont Bridge in Seattle bicycle counter, online, can view up to date data. Consistently over 20,000 bicycle trips per day on weekdays in the summer months, over 10,000 trips per day in the winter months.

16 Trails are Popular! Numerous advocacy groups throughout the state are instrumental in assisting with securing grants/funds.

17 The First and Last Mile Problem First and Last ¼-Mile Very Likely, Comfortable Walking Distance First and Last ½-Mile Likely, Walking and Biking Beyond the Last ½-Mile Less Likely

18 Solutions Accessible and convenient connections High capacity transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities More deliberate planning and design

19 King County

20 Redmond Bike and Ped Connections Redmond Central Connector Sammamish River Trail 520 Bike Trail King County Metro Rapid Ride B Line Redmond Transit Center Sound Transit Planned Light Rail Line

21 Snohomish County

22 Everett / Mill Creek Bike and Ped Connections Interurban Trail North Creek Trail Community Transit Swift Blue Line Planned Swift Green Line McCollum Park Park and Ride Mariner Park and Ride Sound Transit Planned Light Rail Line

23 Bicycles and Transit Storing versus boarding Vehicle racks On-board options

24 Swift BRT Bicycle Boarding Bikes On-Board - Approx. 6% of all Swift riders

25 Shared-Use Paths - Challenges Crossings Bridges, boardwalks, freeways, rail lines, rivers, etc. Environmental Considerations Avoid / minimize / mitigate impacts Permitting Stormwater requirements

26 Shared-Use Paths - Challenges Topographic Challenges Balancing Design Criteria, Environmental Considerations, and User Experience Challenges Increased Trail Costs

27 Burlington Gages Slough Trail I-5 Crossing Freeway Crossing Environmental Considerations Topographic Challenges

28 Burlington Gages Slough Trail I-5 Crossing

29 Snohomish County North Creek Trail North Creek Crossing Stream Crossing Environmental Considerations Topographic Challenges

30 Snohomish County North Creek Trail North Creek Crossing

31 Redmond Central Connector Stream / Road Crossings Environmental Considerations

32 The Process: Important Things to Remember in Planning and Design Understand your customers and what the community wants. Know the background and statistics and promote the benefits throughout the process. Zoom out and look at the surrounding context of your project.

33 The Process: Important Things to Remember in Planning and Design Find partners to create better projects and increase funding opportunities. Integrate trails and transit through integrated planning and design the best teams bring multiple talents to the table.

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36 Growing Transit Communities

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38 Growing Transit Communities

39 Growing Transit Communities

40 Growing Transit Communities

41 Growing Transit Communities

42 Growing Transit Communities

43 Growing Transit Communities growing-transit-communitiesstrategy Click on Innovative Demonstration Projects and then East Link Implementation Support

44 The Silver Tsunami

45 The Silver Tsunami

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48 Parting Shot

49 Health Active transportation provides an opportunity to be physically active on a regular basis. Social Active transportation is accessible and increases social interactions. Transportation Active transportation reduces road congestion and commute time in traffic. Environmental Active transportation is environmentally-friendly and can contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Economic Active transportation saves money on gas and parking.

50 Integrated Approaches to Shared-Use Paths THANK YOU! Doug Sarkkinen, PE Windi Shapley, PE Mandi Roberts, AICP, PLA