Transportation Benefits
Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure first became eligible for Federal surface transportation funds following the passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act ( ISTEA ) of 1991 . Various ISTEA funded programs supported trails and greenways with the goal to increase the viability of bicycling and walking as a form of transportation . Since that time , the construction of shared-use paths , sidewalks , and dedicated bicycle facilities has played a critical role in many American cities for building community support around non-motorized forms of mobility . Today , half of all trips made can be completed within a 20-minute bike ride , and a quarter of trips are within a 20-minute walk . 2 The reality is that most of these trips are made by vehicle . Cities that have invested in infrastructure that supports more bicycling and walking as modes of transportation have demonstrated an increase in ridership levels and reduced crashes and fatalities .
Following two decades of implementation of trail and greenway systems throughout the United States , several studies have begun to present evidence of the transportation impact of separated bicycle and pedestrian facilities such as trails and greenways . A 2011 study of cycling facilities in 90 large U . S . cities demonstrated that cities with a greater supply of bike paths and lanes have higher bike commute levels . Due to investments in separated paths and on-street lanes , between 2007 and 2010 , Minneapolis saw an 33 % increase in ridership . 3 Research in Seattle , WA demonstrated that household proximity to bicycle paths increased likelihood to cycle by at least 20 %. 4 Other studies have shown that people are more likely to travel greater distance and increase time if they ride on shared-use paths as compared to more direct , shorter distances with on-street facilities . Even more , trails and greenways have demonstrated the potential to attract a greater diversity of users as studies have shown that women and inexperienced cyclists prefer riding on paths , lanes , and low-volume roads .
This evidence infers it is possible in some of Louisville ’ s highest residential and employment density areas , particularly in the neighborhoods along the RiverWalk and the Olmsted Parkways sections , that paths offer a viable alternative to singleoccupant vehicle use . Through the planning process , these trails have been considered useful links between neighborhoods and destinations such as downtown ,
2
2009 Natinoal Household Travel Survey , FHWA Office of Policy
3
Federal Highway Administration . 2012 . Report to the U . S . Congress on the Outcomes of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program SAFETEA-LU Section 1807 . Federal Highway Administration
4
Pucher , John and Ralph Buehler . 2012 . “ Cycling to Work in 90 Large American Cities : New Evidence on the Role of Bike Paths and Lanes .” Transportation , Vol . 39 , No . 2 , March / April 2012 , pp 409-432
community facilities , parks , retail outlets and many more . These facilities should receive even greater attention when considering their dual value as both recreational trails and transportation alternatives as well as other impacts such as improving air quality , saving energy and reducing congestion .
Environment and Conservation Benefits
The mission of many trail and greenway projects nationally is to create synergy between conservation and outreach and reengage the public in those activities . Where trails touch and provide access to streams , rivers , wetlands , and other natural areas , they increase the opportunities for connecting the community to those resources . In this context , greenway trails can serve as an ecological tool by providing habitat corridors for wildlife as well as help mitigate impacts of flooding on a community . As an educational tool , trail signage can be designed to inform trail users about water and air quality issues and the geological and cultural history of a particular area or watershed . As part of a greenway system , the Loop provides a hands-on environmental classroom for people of all ages to experience natural landscapes and to become more environmentally aware . Trails and greenways in urban areas provide the opportunity to improve the aesthetics and safety of the city . They serve as a catalyst for transformation , especially as it relates to reducing vandalism and encouraging neighborhoods to take pride in their natural areas .
Beyond the path , shared-use paths have shown to perform transportation benefits
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