Abstract:
Walking is the most basic form of transportation; virtually everyone is a pedestrian at some point, even if they only walk from their front door to the car or bus stop. As with bicycling, walking has the potential to play a more important role in our future transportation systems. With many trips less than a mile long, a comfortable walking distance for most people, we need to actively welcome and accommodate pedestrians. A high-quality pedestrian environment can impact a community in many ways: less traffic congestion, more cohesive neighborhoods, increased social interaction, cleaner air, and less crime. Pedestrian issues are especially important for small and medium sized cities, some of which may be experiencing growth but do not yet experience overly congested roadways. It is much easier and less costly to implement policies that would encourage alternatives to single occupant vehicles than to build more roads to accommodate increasing traffic. A balanced transportation system that includes walking, biking, and transit may be more effective in handling the increased demand for mobility that accompanies growth. The purpose of the Metropolitan Pedestrian Plan is to identify policies, programs and projects that will improve the pedestrian environment in the Duluth-Superior area. An improved pedestrian environment is defined as a walkable community where walking is a viable mode of transportation. The Pedestrian Plan sets goals and objectives, examines current conditions, and looks at strategies to improve the pedestrian environment in the Duluth-Superior area.
