Planning for active transportation is the new trend in urban development, according to the Urban Land Institute—and it pays off.
The concept of transit-oriented development is by now widely embraced. A new report from ULI explores what it calls "the next frontier": trail-oriented development.
As The Architects' Newspaper puts it, the report asks: "What happens when officials, urban planners, and developers, and other professionals involved in the built environment put a premium on safe sidewalks, cycle paths, the pedestrian, and the cyclist?"
The study looked at 10 residential and commercial developments in cities around the world, as well as five "catalytic" bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects.
It found that trail-oriented development has a positive impact on "economic development, public health, air quality, community design and real estate design and investment." Trail systems can boost retail sales, commercial property values, and tourism, while creating savings in health and business costs.
Bike ridership is growing worldwide, even in already-bike-friendly cities. In the United States, San Jose is updating its Trail Strategic Plan, while Houston recently unveiled a new plan for "casual riders."
For cities playing catch-up, the report includes a guide to becoming a bicycle-friendly community.
FULL STORY: New study: trail-oriented development improves public health and property values
How Boosting Biking Could Improve London's Economy
A new study outlines the potential economic, environmental, and public health benefits of increasing cycling mode share in London, which has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
Transit Agencies Leasing Real Estate to Raise Revenue
As ridership revenues drop, more agencies are looking to diversify their income sources by leasing agency-owned land to developers.
Opinion: A Surprising New Foe in the War Against Pedestrians
Allowing bikes on sidewalks pits cyclists against pedestrians, an advocate argues.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service