Alternate Transportation

Alternate transportation, such as walking and biking, are significantly untapped resources to improve a community’s overall health, prosperity and environment.

They are both easy and accessible ways to be active; regular physical activity reduces the risks of many chronic diseases. Furthermore, walking and biking are practical means of transportation that can simultaneously reduce carbon emissions and address public safety.

THE BENEFITS OF WALKING AND BIKING
Choosing the Environment

In 2018, 77% of Minnesotans drove alone to work — reducing those vehicle emissions by biking or walking would have a measurably positive impact on the local environment.

Walk for Economic Vitality

Increasing neighborhood walkability in one city by only 5% led to a 32% increase in residents choosing walking or biking to travel to work, school or run errands. Improving neighborhoods and business districts by increasing walkability makes them places people want to live and visit, increasing foot traffic and investment in the community.

Increased Safety

Neighborhoods that receive infrastructure improvements to promote walking and biking can see pedestrian injuries caused by traffic accidents decrease by 44%.

Increased Exercise

Walking is beginner-friendly, requires no special equipment, and can be done in groups or alone. It is an ideal starting place to build healthier habits.

RESOURCES
  •  

    Steps for Action

    1. ADVOCATE
    National, state and local investments in transportation are essential to improve walkability. Less than 2% of federal transportation funding is allotted to alternate transportation, such as bike lanes and sidewalks.
    2. SUPPORT
    Support state, regional and local Complete Streets policies, which help create sidewalks, better crossings, lighting and other critical safety features.
    3. ACT
    Start a “walking school bus” program to encourage more families and children to walk to and from school safely and as a community. The Minnesota Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum provides materials, information and resources to educate children and new bikers on rules of the road and biking safety.