[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Federal pilot communities report shows more bicycling and walking, less driving, and increased climate benefits in Columbia

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jill Stedem
City of Columbia Public Works
(573) 874-7250


Federal pilot communities report shows more bicycling and walking, less driving, and increased climate benefits in Columbia

COLUMBIA, MO (May 1, 2012) - The U.S. Department of Transportation confirms in its final report to Congress on the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, that investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and outreach programming can positively affect transportation choices and opportunities. The non-motorized trips covered in the report are viewed as critical parts of the nation's surface transportation system and associated impacts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The federal report reveals that, for Columbia, bicycling and walking trips for transportation purposes increased 26 percent and 14 percent, respectively, between 2007 and 2010. This equates to 541,000 additional nonmotorized trips in 2010 with a commensurate reduction in driving trips. Complementing this is a perception change: surveys show that residents listing Columbia as a bicycle-friendly city increased from 66 percent in 2007 to 80 percent in 2010. 

GetAbout Columbia pilot program is implementing infrastructure projects including intersection improvements, sidewalks, pedways and shared-use paths (trails). In addition, an extensive system of on-street bike lanes, routes and bike boulevards are linking all parts of the city. 

The investment of federal dollars will continue to benefit the community. Of critical importance is the fact that the non-motorized transportation program will reduce total vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) in Columbia by an estimated 6.5 million miles over the next 10 years at the current increase in bicycling and walking for transportation. Such a VMT reduction is an essential ingredient, along with improved automobiles and fuels, in meeting the nation's goals of fighting global warming and achieving greater energy independence.

"Columbia has made significant investments in bicycling and walking infrastructure, utilizing both standard and experimental designs. We are seeing a significant increase in bicycling and walking in the city, with a corresponding acceptance of bicycles on city streets.Columbiais on track to becoming a healthier, more livable and environmentally sustainable community by encouraging walking, biking and transit for everyday transportation," said Mayor Bob McDavid. "The city plans to continue this goal by including biking and walking infrastructure as part of all future roadway improvements."  

This report is just one element of the federal Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program, established by Congress in 2005. Between the original funding allocation and subsequent extensions of the 2005 federal transportation bill, Columbia and three other pilot communities have benefited with over $28 million each over six years to implement a comprehensive set of projects and programs to encourage biking and walking. In addition to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, additional benefits include congestion relief, low-cost travel alternatives and improved public health.

According to Marianne Fowler, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's senior vice president of Federal Relations, "The pilot results are mind blowing! In just four typical communities, 32 million miles of driving was averted, with people choosing to make those trips by walking and biking instead."

The report chronicles program mobilization and launch, including active public involvement, project and program delivery, "Implementation Challenges" encountered, and results from data collected over the course of the program. Also discussed are "Plans for Implementation"—projects that will build out the seamless network of biking and walking facilities and the education and promotion programs that will encourage travelers to shift to walking and biking for their everyday transportation needs.

A copy of the final report to congress can be found at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ntpp/2012_report/. As the program has benefited from funding through continuation of the federal transportation bill, it has enabled additional projects and outreach to be undertaken. Data will be collected again this fall and a report generated in 2013 to further demonstrate the outcomes and benefits of the program. Progress can be monitored and additional information can be obtained on the program website at www.getaboutcolumbia.com.


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