Mayor Karl Dean, Chairman Prioritizing Transportation Policy and Funding for Active Transportation, Safety, Equity and Health Leslie A. Meehan, AICP Planning and Implementing the Active Community Webinar American Planning Association February 25, 2011
Nashville Area MPO nashvillempo.org
On average, Americans spend about 18% of their Household Income on Transportation- Related Expenses Source: Center for Neighborhood Technology Housing + Transportation Affordability Index (http://www.htaindex.org/) nashvillempo.org
Transportation and Obesity Obesity/Vehicle Miles Traveled in U.S. 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1962 1974 1980 1994 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 Adult Obesity % Childhood Obesity % (age 2 19) VMT in billion miles 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 Sources: Centers for Disease Control National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey/ U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration, Annual Vehicle Distance Traveled in Miles and Related Data nashvillempo.org
Health Impacts of Transportation Transportation and Health 500 400 300 200 100 0 Transport at ion Expedi tur e Healt h Impact s of Transport at ion
Public Opinion nashvillempo.org
What Americans Want nashvillempo.org
Middle TN Public Opinions 1st choice: improve and expand mass transit options 2nd choice: make communities more walkable & bike friendly 3rd choice: build new or widen existing roadways
2035 Regional Transportation Plan Three Major Policy Initiatives #1 A Bold, New Vision for Mass Transit #2 Support for Active Transportation & Walkable Communities #3 Preservation & Enhancement of Strategic Roadways nashvillempo.org
Guiding Principles Livability MPO plans and programs shall work to enhance the quality of life in the region by supporting initiatives that increase opportunities for affordable housing, education, jobs, recreation, and civic involvement without increasing the burden on citizens to enjoy their community. Sustainability MPO plans and programs shall strive to support growth and prosperity without sacrificing the health, environment, natural and sociocultural resources, or financial stability of this or future generations. Prosperity MPO plans and programs shall contribute to the continued economic well being of the greater Nashville area by investing in transportation solutions that increase access to education, jobs, and amenities, reduce the cost of living and doing business, and attract new investment to the region. Diversity MPO plans and programs shall recognize the multitude of needs and the variety of perspectives and backgrounds of the people that live and work in the greater Nashville area by promoting a range of transportation choices that are designed with sensitivity to the desired context.
Regional Goals Maintain and Preserve the Efficiency, Safety, and Security of the Region s Existing Transportation Infrastructure; Manage Congestion to Keep People and Goods Moving; Encourage Quality Growth and Sustainable Land Development Practices; Protect the Region s Health & Environment; Support the Economic Competitiveness of the Greater Nashville Area; Offer Meaningful Transportation Choices for a Diverse Population including the Aging; Encourage Regional Coordination, Cooperation, & Decision Making; and Practice Thoughtful, Transparent Financial Stewardship by Ensuring that Transportation Improvements meet Regional Goals.
A Bold New Vision for Mass Transit nashvillempo.org
A Bold, New Vision for Mass Transit Clarksville Springfield Gallatin Lebanon FUTURE REGIONAL CORRIDOR SERVICE Dickson Nashville Franklin FUTURE LOCAL TRANSIT SERVICE Murfreesboro Columbia
Support for Active Transportation & Walkable Communities nashvillempo.org
Support for Active Transportation nashvillempo.org
Regional Study: Purpose & Objectives Provide a comprehensive inventory of existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Demonstrate how improving walking and bicycling connectivity increases individual mobility, enhances transit options, and promotes active living. Recommend policy and funding strategies for the Regional Transportation Plan. Serve as a framework for identifying and selecting bicycle/pedestrian projects for the Regional Transportation Plan. Provide guidance for engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation activities to help improve the safety of walking and bicycling.
What We Learned Safety Analysis 2,076 reported crashes within the MPO between 2003-2007 107 resulted in a fatality (99 pedestrian & 8 cyclist) High Crash Corridors include: Nolensville Road Dickerson Pike Murfreesboro Road West End Ave Charlotte Ave These data are for planning purposes only and are protected by USC 409.
What We Learned Health Analysis There is a strong link between the lack of physical activity and health (e.g. heart disease, obesity, and other chronic conditions). Research has also shown certain population groups have a higher disparity. These groups include: Low Income Minority Older Adults (over 65)
Food Access and Transportation 10 grocery stores and 1 emergency food source located within one mile of project 12 schools within 2 miles Community and religious centers
What We Accomplished: A Regional Vision Bikeways Sidewalks
MPO s Urban STP Investment Strategy 15% minimum investment in Active Transportation & Walkable Communities Sidewalks, bicycle lanes, greenways, transit stops, amenities MPO BPAC PRIORITIZATION! 10% minimum flexed to Transit Combined with FTA funds to help implement regional vision for mass transit 5% minimum reserved for stand alone ITS/ Incident Management Upgrades Support for smaller projects that make our system smarter and more efficient
MPO s Urban STP Investment Strategy Projects Scored on Criteria 100 points Quality Growth and Sustainable Development 15pts Multi Modal Options 15pts Health & Environment 10pts Safety & Security 10pts Congestion Management 10pts System Preservation & Enhancement 15pts State & Local Support/ Investment 15pts Freight & Goods Movement 10pts
2035 Regional Transportation Plan Results: 70% of roadway projects with an included sidewalk, bicycle lane, or shared use lane (up from 2%) $2.5 million available for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and education in next couple years
More initiatives Linking Transportation & Health nashvillempo.org
Physical Activity/ Travel Behavior Data will show which modes of travel allows for most energy expenditure and physical activity.
Regional Symposiums Complete Streets Symposium 2 Day Workshop 120 attendees National Experts from Complete Streets Coalition Keynote Luncheon Mayor Floyd, Decatur, GA School Siting Symposium 1 Day Workshop 100 attendees National Experts from EPA and UNC Public and Private Sector
Tennessee Obesity Taskforce Advocacy Breastfeeding Built Environment/Transportation Parks & Recreation Early Childhood Evaluation Food Systems Health Systems Schools Vulnerable Populations Worksites Coordinated School Health Tennessee Cancer Coalition Healthy Memphis Common Table Community Food Advocates/Food Trust Knoxville Childhood Obesity Coalition Chattanooga Partnership for Healthy Living Network YMCA Pioneering Healthier Communities (in 6 jurisdictions of Tennessee) Metropolitan/Rural Planning Organizations ECO Every Child Outdoors MPO and YMCA Co Chairs 2011 2012 nashvillempo.org
Leslie A. Meehan, AICP Senior Transportation Planner Nashville Area MPO meehan@nashvillempo.org 615-862-7211 Livability. Sustainability. Prosperity. Diversity.