What are the best practices for promoting active transportation modes such as walking and cycling?

In view of the growing awareness of health and environmental benefits of walking and cycling ,the cities world over are revitalizing their transportation system. However for implementing best practices for these modes, cities and communities need to create environments that are more conducive to cycling and walking, by reinvigorating the city planning and promoting healthier lifestyles with reduced reliance on motor vehicles. Promoting active transportation modes like cycling and walking involves a multifaceted approach that addresses infrastructure, policy, education, safety, regulations,monitoring, and community engagement.

Additionally, it is observed that often the bicycle and infrastructure lacks meaningful integration with Public Transportation. This is key to encourage people in shifting toward active modes, as it enable travellers to embark on longer trips.

Active transport is typically a practical and efficient option for short trips up to say 5 kilometres when there is no requirement to transport large or heavy loads. Extending beyond this distance or load limit can present additional challenges.

Adopt Safety Measures: - Improved street lighting: Enhance street lighting in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity to improve visibility and safety at night. - Traffic calming measures: Implement traffic calming measures like speed bumps, roundabouts, and lower speed limits to create a calmer and safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. - Traffic enforcement: Enforce traffic laws that protect pedestrians and cyclists, sending a clear message that their safety is a priority.

E-bikes and e-scooters can significantly extend the coverage beyond what is physically possible by pedestrians and human-powered bicycles by increasing the range and speed, and minimising fatigue particularly for uphill climbs. However integration with bus or car-sharing can be challenging since it would require switching modes with provision of bike/scooter parking infrastructure.

Active modes of transportation like cycling and walking significantly impact cities by enhancing last mile connectivity and reducing distances. By promoting these modes, cities can bridge the gap between public transportation hubs and final destinations, making public transportation more accessible and convenient. This can be achieved through dedicated cycling lanes, bike-sharing programs, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Additionally, cities can leverage technology to provide real-time information and smart ticketing solutions, further improving the overall experience. By adopting these strategies, cities can reduce reliance on private vehicles, promote sustainability, and create more livable and walkable urban environments.

Planning for Infrastructure Development for Vulnerable users: - Create safe and connected networks: Provide dedicated cycling lanes, protected bike paths, and wide sidewalks that are well-maintained and separated from traffic. This encourages people to feel safe and comfortable using these modes. - Prioritize low-traffic streets: Identify and improve low-traffic streets to create attractive walking and cycling routes, especially for commuting and leisure. - Improve intersection design: Ensure safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, including designated crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and bike boxes.

Seamless connectivity is a crucial factor in promoting active transport, playing a significant role in encouraging or discouraging users. Ensuring a comprehensive street design that is well-connected with public transport is essential. To promote cycling, policy and technology-based interventions, such as public bike-sharing facilities, are necessary. Reliability of infrastructure is paramount; often, people are deterred from using these facilities due to their unreliability. Therefore, ensuring dependable and well-maintained infrastructure is vital for encouraging active transport.