What are the most effective strategies for promoting active transportation in urban areas?

2 Provide safe and comfortable infrastructure

Another important factor that affects people's willingness to use active transportation is the quality and safety of the infrastructure, such as roads, sidewalks, bike paths, or transit vehicles. Therefore, providing safe and comfortable infrastructure can help attract and retain active transport users and reduce the risk of collisions and injuries. For example, by designing separated and protected bike lanes, or by implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, roundabouts, or curb extensions, urban designers can enhance the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians. Similarly, by providing adequate lighting, signage, shelters, or seating, urban architects can improve the amenity and convenience of transit users.

3 Incorporate green and blue elements

A third factor that can influence people's preference for active transportation is the aesthetic and environmental quality of the urban landscape. Therefore, incorporating green and blue elements, such as trees, plants, parks, or water features, can help create more attractive and healthy urban environments that invite people to walk, cycle, or use public transit. For example, by planting street trees, or by creating green roofs or walls, urban landscapers can provide shade, cooling, and air purification benefits for active transport users. Likewise, by designing urban waterways, or by restoring natural habitats, urban ecologists can enhance the biodiversity and resilience of urban areas.

4 Engage and empower communities

A fourth factor that can shape people's behavior and attitude towards active transportation is the level of participation and empowerment of the communities that live and work in urban areas. Therefore, engaging and empowering communities can help foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for the urban environment and its active transportation options. For example, by involving community members in the planning and design of active transportation projects, or by providing them with information and education on the benefits and opportunities of active transportation, urban managers can increase the awareness and acceptance of active transportation modes. Similarly, by supporting community initiatives, such as bike-sharing programs, car-free days, or walking groups, urban leaders can create a culture and a network of active transportation advocates and enthusiasts.

5 Monitor and evaluate outcomes

A fifth factor that can help improve and sustain the promotion of active transportation in urban areas is the monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes and impacts of the active transportation strategies and projects. Therefore, monitoring and evaluating outcomes can help assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the active transportation interventions and identify the areas for improvement and innovation. For example, by collecting and analyzing data on the usage, satisfaction, and safety of active transportation modes, or by conducting surveys, interviews, or focus groups with active transport users and stakeholders, urban researchers can measure the performance and progress of active transportation goals and objectives. Likewise, by sharing and communicating the results and lessons learned from the monitoring and evaluation activities, urban practitioners can inform and inspire future active transportation planning and design.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?