Tag: active transportation

three people locking bikes to a bike rack

Activity Friendly Spaces Make Good Business “Cents”: How Local Businesses can Support and Advocate for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Without question, activity friendly spaces—those that support walking and bicycling for leisure and transportation—are good for both personal health and the environment. When trips that are usually taken via automobile are taken by foot or bike instead, there is reduced traffic, congestion and pollution. But are these spaces good for businesses? You can bet your bottom dollar they are.   

Research supports the idea that activity friendly spaces can drive economics and spending. Several studies have noted that customers who arrive via bike tend to frequent commercial areas more often than customers who arrive via other modes, and they often spend more, resulting in higher sales.1-5  In New York City, the installation of a bike lane increased the likelihood of travel for both pedestrians and cyclists, creating greater exposure to businesses in the area studied4 and contributed to an increase in retail sales and fewer commercial vacancies in the neighborhood.6 A survey of San Francisco retailers revealed that the majority (65%) perceived that bike lanes had a positive impact on their sales and noted few negatives.7 Communities designed to promote active living (i.e. provisions for pedestrians and cyclists, greenspace, trails) also are noted to have greater property values and result in greater revenue from property taxes than communities that do not include these features.8 Areas with greater walkability and active living supports are tied to the benefits of decreased pollution, improved social capital, more community activism and less car use, which was related with improved office, retail and apartment values.9  

Promoting walking or bicycling to work offers significant benefits to employers; the many health benefits associated with biking and regular exercise include decreased healthcare costs, improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and aligns with the goals of most worksite wellness programs.10 The League of American Bicyclists, as a part of their Bicycle Friendly AmericaTM11 program, has a Bicycle Friendly BusinessTM initiative which allows businesses to apply to be recognized as bicycle friendly at different levels (bronze, silver, gold or platinum). League-recognized Bicycle Friendly Businesses have noted a wide range of motivation for promoting cycling among their employees and customers (e.g. economic outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, sustainability goals12 ). They have also noted the importance of serving as a good example for their community and that cycling represents a core part of their company’s identity.  

Other strategies that local businesses can employ to promote active transportation can include participation in advocacy for infrastructure that encourages walking and biking. Partnering with local pedestrian and cyclist coalitions or advocacy groups to support policies, legislation or funding for capital improvements to local spaces can be helpful, as buy-in from additional stakeholders bolsters confidence in those policies. For example, advocating for greater bicycle parking may result in some controversy if it is accompanied by the elimination of car parking spots. However, initiatives to replace on-street parking in commercial districts with a bike corral typically yields spots for 8-10 bikes where one car could have parked. It has been well documented that this swap typically does not harm sales, rather, it can lead to an increase in revenue.13 After seeing the impact in other areas, merchants in Portland, OR, indicated their overwhelming support for the swap to improve business and enhance the overall streetscape.14 Additionally, increased spending in a commercial area could generate greater sales tax for the region, helping the community to pay for the installation and upkeep of the supportive infrastructure, possibly leading to expanded efforts. 

Businesses have an important role to play in cultivating activity-friendly spaces as key stakeholders in local economies. The potential for impact beyond commercial benefit is substantial, influencing health and environmental outcomes throughout the community where they live and work. Investments in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure just make good “cents” for businesses.  

 

Author: Melissa Bopp, Ph.D., FACSM 

 

References

  1. Popovich N, Handy SL. Bicyclists as Consumers. Mode Choice and Spending Behavior in Downtown Davis, California. Transportation Research Record. 2014;2468:47-54.
  2. Clifton KJ, Muhs C, Morrissey S, Morriss T, Currans K, Ritter C. Consumer Behavior and Travel Mode Choices. Portland, OR: Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC); 2012.
  3. Bent E, Singa K. Modal Choices and Spending Patterns of Travelers to Downtown San Francisco, California: Impacts on of Congestion Pricing on Retail Trade. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. 2009;2115:66-74.
  4. Bernier-Heroux L, Ryan J. East Village Shoppers Study: A Snapshot of Travel and Spending Patterns of Residents and Visitors in the East Village. 2012; https://www.transalt.org/cdn/farfuture/9efumRfRqlXm_tZbqTYHclU2lQLb2uDlCiQiGakdKms/mtime:1472894797/sites/default/files/news/reports/2012/EV_Shopper_Study.pdf. Accessed November 16, 2016.
  5. Rowe K. Bikenomics: Measuring the Economic Impact of Bicycle Facilities on Neighborhood Business Districts. Seattle, WA: University of Washington College of Built Environments; 2013.
  6. Arancibia D. Cyclists, Bike Lanes and On-Street Parking: Economic Impacts. Toronto, ON: Toronto Cycling; 2013.
  7. Drennan E. Economic Effects of Traffic Calming on Urban Small Businesses. 2003; http://www.sfbike.org/download/bikeplan/bikelanes.pdf. Accessed November 17, 2016.
  8. Active Living Research. The Economic Benefits of Open Space, Recreation Facilities and Walkable Community Design. San Diego: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; 2010.
  9. Pivo G, Fisher JD. The Walkability Premium in Commercial Real Estate Investments. Real Estate Economics. 2011;39(2):185-219.
  10. Tran M, Forst L, Buchanan S. Not on the Radar: Active Commuting as a Workplace Wellness Issue. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Sep 2015;57(9):E91-E92.
  11. League of American Bicyclists. Building A Bicycle Friendly America. Washington DC: League of American Bicyclists; 2013.
  12. Vairo N, Bopp M, Sims D. Best practices for businesses promoting bicycling. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education. 2017/11/02 2017;55(5-6):298-310.
  13. Lee A, March A. Recognising the Economic Role of Bikes; Sharing Parking in Lygon Street, Carlton. Australian Planner. 2010;47(2):85-93.
  14. Meisel D. Bike Corrals: Local Business Impacts, Benefits, and Attitudes. Portland, OR: Portland State University School of Urban Studies and Planning; 2010.
man in red sweater riding a bike with a backpack

Overcoming Barriers to Active Transportation

Active transportation has important environmental, health and economic benefits. Promoting active modes of transportation including walking, cycling and wheelchair or stroller rolling, can increase physical activity, benefit both individuals and communities economically and play a role reducing air pollution.

In some areas, active transportation can replace motor vehicle use entirely. More commonly, though, physical activity can be combined with cars or public transportation to replace parts of trips. However, participation in active transportation varies widely among urban, suburban and rural communities. This disparity has much to do with personal, environmental and cultural barriers that interfere with the adoption of active transportation. Encouraging people to utilize active modes of transportation requires that we identify and address these barriers.

One barrier to active transportation is the availability of resources and infrastructure in the community to make it realistic. For example, the American Fitness Index includes Walk Score, which is based on how well errands and activities can be completed on foot as opposed to needing a car. Large cities tend to have a higher walk score than smaller cities that are less dense and not as likely to have access to sidewalks, bike lanes and public transportation.

Other factors that influence the decision to walk and bike include the accessibility and conditions of sidewalks, bike lanes, multi-use trails and forms of public transportation. Also, the availability of bicycle parking and storage and a place to change clothes and shower after commuting are important potential barriers. Having access to these resources can make the decision to walk or bicycle for transportation easier.

Another barrier to active transportation is safety, both real and perceived. The infrastructure and culture in some cities make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists, so pedestrian fatalities are lower, and individuals and families are more likely to be active. Communities that lack sidewalks, bike lanes, safe street crossings and adequate lighting would certainly have lower participation in active transportation. Additionally, since there is “safety in numbers,” places where walking and bicycling are more common tend to be safer because motorists are more aware of their presence. When cyclists and pedestrians are less visible, drivers may not be as cautious, making safety more of a concern.

The community culture can be a barrier to active transportation. In places where active transportation and using public transit are the norm, people are more likely to leave their car at home and walk or bicycle to work or for leisure trips. Unfortunately, many people find that their community does not support active transportation, either through a lack of infrastructure or through the attitudes of the citizens. Relatively few people would begin or maintain a habit of active transportation when it isn’t widely accepted and supported through community norms or policies.

Personal factors can also be a limit factor. An individual’s belief in the health, environmental and economic benefits can influence their decision to participate in active transportation. The perceived additional time to walk or bike rather than drive is also a barrier, but it is interesting to note that most people overestimate the time required for active travel. A person’s fitness and ability to travel longer distances on foot or on a bicycle can also be a concern, especially if the commute includes hills. Combining walking with public transit for longer trips or using an electric-assist bicycle can reduce the intensity and make it more enjoyable. While active transportation is almost always less expensive than driving a car, the cost of a bicycle and other equipment may limit some from getting started. Bike sharing and financial incentives for purchasing a bicycle may reduce this concern. Finally, the weather can be an important consideration. Hot, cold or rainy climates can reasonably limit active transportation, especially when considering professional attire.

Many of these barriers can be overcome through education about the benefits of active travel, the availability of infrastructure, resources to support walking and cycling and tips to make active transportation safer and more comfortable. Advocating for changes in policies and the built environment can be effective as a grass-roots effort. Educating drivers, pedestrians and cyclists about traffic rules and safety can help change the culture. And making public transit, walking and cycling more visible through community “open streets” events can raise awareness and normalize active transportation. Ultimately, expanding access to active transportation can make communities more equitable, healthy and economically sound.

 

Author: Brian B. Parr, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM-CEP, University of South Carolina Aiken

active transportation op-ed template blog

Advocate for Active Transportation in Your Community | Op-ed Template

A key step in increasing active transportation habits and avenues  in your community is working to increase awareness of the economical, personal health and environmental benefits of walking and biking. Submitting an op-ed to your local newspaper, magazine or television station can be a productive way to spread the word about these benefits.

The American Fitness Index and ACSM’s ActivEarth Task Force have partnered to supply an op-ed template that you can use to generate or renew interest in active transportation methods in your community. The template can be easily customized for your local community.  Click here to download the template!  

Include stats from the Fitness Index Rankings report  in your op-ed.

Want to learn more about supporting active transportation? Check out more ActivEarth resources here.

active transportation

Active Transportation Choices May Affect Your Wallet and Waistline

It is not surprising that having healthy habits, like walking every day, is one way to fight the holiday bulge. But did you know that it can also keep a little extra padding in your pocketbook? As colder weather sets in many of us look forward to a fun and festive holiday season. This busy time of year and its blustery winter weather can also mean that some of our summertime activities and active transportation habits become a distant memory. Add to that the surplus of heart-warming treats and holiday beverages, and it’s easy to see why so many of us set resolutions to lose weight and exercise more when January 1st rolls around.

Active transportation is known as a solid way to get active, which can save on health care costs. Active transportation typically means walking or biking to get from place to place, but can also include using public transportation, where the active component is getting to and from stations or stops. An example of this comes from Toronto, Canada. Estimates from proposed improvements to the region’s transportation system would increase transit use by 7.8 percent. When these people switch from cars to transit, it’s projected to prevent 338 deaths, 1,000 cases of diabetes, and $1.67 billion USD ($2.2 billion CA) in annual health savings. It’s noteworthy that not all of these savings are from increased physical activity, as factors such as emissions reductions and reduced traffic fatalities were included in the estimates, but who’s going to scoff at those added benefits?

Of course, transitioning to walking places or taking public transit when you’re not doing so already isn’t easy. This is likely because of 60-plus years of development across the American landscape that prioritized sprawling, disconnected suburbs. Add to that an American culture with a deep fondness for car ownership and personal travel, and it takes planning and motivation to make active transportation a part of your daily routine. However, these changes are comfortable when a city builds activity-supportive environments.

For over 10 years, the American Fitness Index has monitored transportation systems and activity-supportive environments as key influencers of community fitness. This report evaluates the healthiness of cities – including several measures of active transportation. The percent of a city’s inhabitants who walk, bike or use public transportation to get to work, and the city’s average Walk Score – which measures how walking-friendly an area is for daily errands – are critical components of the overall Fitness Index rankings.

The Fitness Index aims to help public officials, concerned citizens, local community groups and health organizations assess the essential aspects of their city’s overall health and quality of life. While you plan to dig out the winter wardrobe, take some time to motivate yourself to walk, bike or even take public transit on your next outing, not only to fight that holiday bulge, but maybe save a little extra money for the holiday gift fund.

 

Author: Jane C. Hurley