Encouraging Bicycling and Walking: The State Legislative Role Published November 2008
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Introduction Bicycling and walking historically have been important means of transportation and recreation in the United States. Since World War II, however, the development of automobile-oriented communities has led to a steady decline of bicycling and walking. These activities became lost in the dustbin of history and limited to childhood play. During the past few years, however, a renaissance has occurred with impressive increases in the number of people who bicycle and walk for transportation and recreation. Record gas prices, a gridlocked transportation system, increasing health maladies related to physical inactivity, and environmental concerns have led to a reexamination of the transportation choices available in this country and to a subsequent shift from driving to more walking and bicycling. Today, people of all ages, income groups and fitness levels use walking and bicycling for everyday travel, recreation, and getting to and from work. It is important to remember that approximately one-third of the population is unable to drive—because of age, disability, choice or license restrictions—so bicycling and walking are important transportation options. Public transit, which is primarily reached on foot or by bicycle, also has experienced significantly increased use during the past few years. Pedestrians and bicyclists suffer the effects—sometimes fatal—of a transportation system that does not account for their needs. All road users—including motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians—must act responsibly and follow the rules of the road for their own and others’ safety. It lies with state governments, however, to play the primary role in ensuring that roads are safe and accommodate all users. Many people are bicycling and walking more because of the many benefits these transportation choices provide. Walking and bicycling offer cheap, effective ways to reach a destination, especially with the likelihood of higher gas prices. Furthermore, they provide a variety of benefits to individuals and society. Both are clean forms of transport that emit no pollutants. With disturbing increases in diseases and ailments related to lack of exercise, active commuting also is an effective way to combat diseases related to inactivity, especially for those who have time constraints. Communities where destinations are easy to reach by bike and foot create a more balanced transportation system and more welcoming neighborhoods. Research on government involvement in bicycling and walking has centered mainly on congressional activity. With increased flexibility and innovation, however, states have played a crucial role in developing and modeling successful strategies to encourage bicycling and walking. This report provides information about and examples of how state legislatures can and have proactively supported bicycling and walking, especially as transportation choices. What’s Inside
The report first provides an overview of recent trends in bicycling and walking and the related transportation, economic, public and environmental health benefits. A snapshot of the current state of bicycling and walking in the United States follows. Subsequent chapters examine state legislative activity in three key areas: funding, planning and safety. The funding section reviews state efforts to provide money for bicycling and walking infrastructure and programs, including some funding stream mechanisms. The planning section examines how states have integrated bicycling and walking into transportation plans and projects and discusses the importance of these options within state decision making. A visual tour of a bicycling- and walking-friendly community follows, with samples of infrastructure design elements that can increase bicycle and pedestrian safety and use. The final chapter discusses how states are increasing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, including creating new laws; increasing penalties; targeting enforcement; and increasing responsibility for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. 
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