
The purpose of this research was to provide a methodology to evaluate how intermodal connections between public transportation and public trails can improve livability in Florida communities.
by National Center for Transit Research (NCTR
This research explored other available methodologies for evaluating intermodal connectivity, developed three case studies of communities outside Florida to compare different approaches, and developed an alternative methodology as applied to the trails and transit systems of Pinellas County and Hillsborough County, Florida.
The research team used data sets and analysis tools that are widely available. The evaluation began by selecting a transportation goal of importance to the community, as defined by a particular travel market and purpose. The home locations of the target traveler market were mapped using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial analysis with the Environmental Protection Agency Smart Location Database (EPA SLD) and other information sources.
The purpose of the mapping exercise was to discern areas within the counties where larger concentrations of the target traveler market are located. Locations of greater concentrations of the desired trip destination type were determined. Examples of destinations include employment centers, recreation centers, and post-secondary education campuses. The locations of bus routes and bus stops, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and public trails also were mapped. Study subareas were selected for each county, based upon their location between trip origins and trip destinations.
A trail/transit crossing inventory template was developed and used to conduct audits of the conditions present at selected transit/trail junctures found within the subareas. Recommendations were developed for improvements for each of these transit/trail junctures to make the connections stronger so that someone using nonmotorized transportation could use both public transit and a public trail to complete a multimodal trip to the destination.
posted Sep 26, 2023
Adults living within a half mile of a park visit parks and exercise more often, but according to the 2014 State Indicator Report on Physical Activity, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population lives within a half mile of a park.
Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook
posted Feb 14, 2022
The purpose of the Highway-Rail Crossing Handbook, 3rd Edition is an information resource developed to provide a unified reference document on prevalent and best practices as well as adopted standards relative to highway-rail grade crossings.
PedNet is Making a Difference on the Ground in Missouri
posted Nov 13, 2020
American Trails contributor Josh Adams recently interviewed Lawrence Simonson, who serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of the PedNet Coalition, to talk pedestrian safety, projects and obstacles, and making a difference in Missouri.
Strategic Agenda for Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
posted Aug 6, 2020
The 2016-2021 Strategic Agenda for Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation builds on 25 years of progress toward increasing walking and biking safety and activity throughout the United States. The 1994 National Bicycling and Walking Study: Transportation Choices for Changing America set the stage for advancing safe, accessible, comfortable, and well-used pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks, with a focus on increasing trips and reducing injuries and fatalities.