DRAFT Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update: 2/23/2018 version

ALTERNATIVE

TRAVEL MODES

INTRODUCTION

BENEFITS OF ACTIVE

Communities with successful transportation networks balance multimodal accommodations for different

TRAVEL

types of trips – recreational and utilitarian. In order to plan for multimodal elements that would enhance

the Town’s overall livability, the Town of Morrisville Comprehensive Transportation Plan

Update explores ways to enhance the existing transportation network to truly serve all community

Health

transportation users. This alternative travel focus embodies how local decisions can enhance the overall

mobility and safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. The plan for bicyclist, pedestrian, and

transit recommendations coordinates closely with other elements, notably through an emphasis on

projects tied to roadway recommendations presented in Chapter 3 and regional planning efforts

through the Wake County Transit Plan .

Transportation

Benefits of Active Travel The option to bike, walk, or take transit is a key element to any healthy community’s transportation

system. When an environment is conducive to active transportation, these modes offer a practical

transportation choice that provides benefits for both individuals and their communities. The potential for

increased walking, in particular, is large since 25% of all trips in the United States are less than one mile in

length. Features that contribute to making transportation more active include a healthy mix of land uses,

Environmental

appropriately sized and located facilities, accessibility features such as curb ramps, buffers between

vehicular and non-motorized modes, and transit shelters. Slowing traffic, reducing unnecessary exposure

to vehicles, and incorporating active transportation features (e.g. signage, crosswalks, and adequate

pedestrian phasing at signals) into future roadway design plans also enhance the viability of active travel

in the Town.

Economic

The bicycle, pedestrian, and transit recommendations in this chapter emphasize the creation of a

functional active transportation network throughout the Town. This focus recognizes the variety of

benefits of active transportation and how it contributes to the community. These benefits include:

 Health – Regular physical activity helps prevent or reduce the risk of a variety of chronic diseases,

obesity, and mental health problems such as depression.

Quality of Life

 Transportation – Many streets carry more traffic than they were designed to handle, resulting in

congestion, wasted time, pollution, and driver frustration. Many of the trips that Americans make every

day are short enough to be accomplished on foot or bike, and longer trips made by bus reduce the

number of single occupancy vehicles.

 Environmental – Motor vehicles create substantial air pollution. According to the EPA, mobile

transportation sources (cars, trucks, buses, and off-road equipment such as marine engines and

construction equipment) are responsible for nearly 80% of carbon monoxide emissions in the U.S.

Social Justice

 Economic – Car ownership consumes a major portion of many family incomes. When safe facilities

are provided to walk, bike, and take transit, more people can rely on active travel and spend less on

transportation.

 Quality of life – The availability of active travel in a community is an indicator of its livability, which

helps attract businesses and grow tourism-related activity. Providing bicycle, pedestrian, and transit

facilities contributes to a healthy sense of identity and place.

 Social justice – For those without the option to drive, such as adolescents, elderly, those unable to

afford a car, and people with certain disabilities, these facilities provide travel choice and break down

barriers to accessing jobs, health care, education, and recreation.

SIDEWALK NETWORK

Walking is a key element to a healthy community’s transportation system. Every trip begins and ends as a

walking trip, yet walking often remains a lower priority mode during the planning process. The availability

of pedestrian facilities and amenities plays an important role in encouraging the use of alternative modes

of travel to the automobile. The success of transit greatly depends on the functionality of pedestrian

facilities and amenities.

While this Plan does not directly recommend standalone sidewalk projects, it is emphasized that all

roadway projects in Chapter 3 adhere to complete street concepts and should include accommodations

for pedestrians. However, as roadways are improved and developments are built the Town should

continually strive to close gaps in the pedestrian network.

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