How Improving Active Transport Infrastructure can Reduce Car Traffic

Mark Ian Alloso — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:09:34 +0000

Improving active transport infrastructure can play a significant role in reducing car traffic by providing viable alternatives for people to choose walking, cycling, or other non-motorized modes of transportation. It should be the priority advocacy of most cities that face the problem of congested roads due to too much private cars.

Here are several ways in which enhancing active transport infrastructure can help achieve this goal:

1. Safe and Convenient Pathways:

– Designing and constructing safe and convenient walking and cycling pathways separate from motorized traffic can encourage people to choose active transportation.

– Well-maintained sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-use paths contribute to a more appealing and accessible active transport network.

2. Bike-Sharing Programs:

– Implementing bike-sharing programs in urban areas can provide a convenient and flexible alternative for short-distance trips, reducing the reliance on cars for short commutes.

3. Integration with Public Transit:

– Improving the integration between active transport modes and public transit systems can create a seamless and efficient multi-modal transportation network. This integration makes it easier for people to combine walking or cycling with public transit for longer journeys, reducing the need for private cars.

4. Urban Planning and Design:

– Incorporating active transport considerations into urban planning and design can lead to more pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly cities. This includes mixed-use developments, pedestrian zones, and bike-friendly infrastructure.

5. Bicycle Storage and Facilities:

– Providing secure and easily accessible bicycle storage facilities at transit stations, workplaces, and other key locations encourages people to use bicycles for commuting and running errands.

6. Education and Awareness Campaigns:

– Implementing education and awareness campaigns can promote the benefits of active transportation and create a culture shift toward healthier and more sustainable modes of travel.

7. Incentive Programs:

– Introducing incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, or employer-sponsored programs for individuals who choose active transportation can motivate people to opt for non-motorized modes of travel.

8. Traffic Calming Measures:

– Implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, pedestrian crossings, and reduced speed limits, can enhance the safety of active transport users and make these modes more attractive.

9. Complete Streets Policies:

– Adopting complete streets policies ensures that transportation planning and design consider the needs of all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users, leading to a more balanced and inclusive transportation infrastructure.

10. Data and Technology Integration:

– Using technology to provide real-time information on active transport options, such as bike-sharing availability, walking paths, and transit schedules, can make these options more accessible and user-friendly.

By combining these strategies and creating an integrated and well-designed active transport infrastructure, communities can encourage a shift away from car-centric transportation, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and promote healthier lifestyles.

Traversing the Sidewalks of Downtown Iloilo

Mark Ian Alloso — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 06:54:59 +0000

I’ve been walking from office to my apartment these past days as a sort of an exercise and also to do some observation of the street activities in the downtown area. This is my way of experiencing first-hand the scenarios of the streets.

My walk starts on JM Basa street and crossing to Valeria street to SM Delgado, then finally traversing Delgado street to Jalandoni street. I’ve noticed that most of the sidewalks are littered with various obstructions such as vendor stalls and parked vehicles. Also noticeable are the sidewalks used as mini terminals of trisikads and tricycles.

Pictured below is one exact example. This is a scene along Delgado street and you will see vehicles obstructing the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to walk through the road instead.

People should be aware of its importance. If we want to promote a more walkable Iloilo City, we should protect the pedestrians by providing them with more walkable sidewalks. Sidewalks, if they are lacking in some way (being broken, occupied by cars and tricycles, occupied by small vendors and establishments) people is going to use the streets to walk, making it dangerous for them and also slowing the traffic. This increases the chances of accidents and generating a sense of lack of security for the people, which they would rather commute than to walk.

There are still other factors to consider, but we have to start somewhere. Public awareness could be an option. We can also propose to revise the current policies of the city or formulate a new plan, which could probably be our work in the City Planning and Development office.

Either way, the end result should be favored and for the benefit of the people, both on pedestrians and commuters.

*header image from https://ayosaoi.wordpress.com

Walkable City – DEATHMARKED

How Improving Active Transport Infrastructure can Reduce Car Traffic

Traversing the Sidewalks of Downtown Iloilo