Rethinking Urban Construction: Prioritizing Walking and Biking
How modern construction can reshape cities to prioritize people walking and biking, enabling safer, healthier, and more sustainable streets.
Why the Construction Industry Should Prioritize People Who Walk or Bike
For decades, urban streets have been built around the automobile, often neglecting the needs of those who walk, bike, or use mobility devices. However, growing concerns around climate change, public health, and safety have fueled a movement to reimagine urban design. The construction industry plays a pivotal role in shaping this future by putting people, not cars, at the center of street planning and design.
Understanding “Active Transportation”
Active transportation refers to modes of travel that rely on human power, such as walking, cycling, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices. Cities designed for active transportation see heightened community well-being, enhanced livability, reduced emissions, and improved public safety. This shift also supports a more equitable use of urban space, giving priority to vulnerable users, especially children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Current Urban Construction: Prioritizing Cars Over People
Historically, the construction industry has focused on maximizing the movement and storage of private cars. Common street designs include wide lanes for motor vehicles, on-street parking, and few safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. This “car-first” approach has resulted in several negative outcomes:
- Reduced pedestrian safety: Fast-moving traffic and infrequent crosswalks put walkers at risk.
- Lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure: Cyclists must share crowded roadways with vehicles or navigate unsafe intersections.
- Community division: Wide, busy roads act as barriers between neighborhoods.
- Inequitable public space: Sidewalks and bike lanes remain an afterthought or are missing entirely.
The Safety Imperative
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, safety for walkers, bikers, and people using mobility devices is a top priority. Federal agencies encourage cities to develop infrastructure that protects “vulnerable road users” through engineering solutions, education, and enforcement. Fatality statistics underscore the need for safer streets: traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death, and some communities suffer disproportionate risks due to inequitable design and lack of resources.
Key Safety Challenges
- Unsafe crossings: Intersections and wide roads are difficult and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, especially for children and seniors.
- Winter maintenance: Inconsistent snow removal narrows walkways and bike paths, making active transportation unsafe in colder climates.
- Parking conflicts: Reducing car parking can encourage speeding but also risks eliminating mobility options for residents who rely on nearby parking.
- Infrastructure gaps: Shared bike/bus lanes at major intersections can be confusing and hazardous for cyclists, especially those who are “interested but concerned” about safety.
Exploring Infrastructure Solutions
Leading cities and transportation agencies are deploying proven design solutions to better balance the needs of people who walk or bike against those who drive. These solutions include:
- Protected bike lanes: Raised bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic by curbs, parked cars, or landscaping
- Complete Streets design: Streets that safely accommodate all users—walkers, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers
- Improved crossings: Frequent, well-marked crosswalks at grade, signalized intersections, and pedestrian refuges
- Reduced vehicle speeds: Road diets, narrower lanes, and traffic calming measures to slow cars
- Wayfinding signage: Signs directing cyclists to safe routes and facilities
- Better winter maintenance: Dedicated snow and ice removal for sidewalks and bike paths
What others are reading
Table: Comparing Traditional vs. People-Centric Street Design
| Feature | Traditional (Car-Focused) | People-Centric |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Width | Wide (for speed) | Narrowed (for safety) |
| Crosswalks | Few, far apart | Frequent, visible |
| Bike Facilities | Minimal or shared with vehicles | Protected, dedicated lanes |
| Greenspace & Trees | Limited to buffers | Integrated, shaded corridors |
| Parking | On-street car parking prioritized | Flexible space for people, bikes, and community needs |
Barriers to Change in the Construction Industry
Although the benefits of people-first street design are clear, the construction industry faces several persistent barriers:
- Regulatory inertia: Building codes and engineering standards are slow to adapt to new priorities.
- Financial constraints: Funding mechanisms commonly support roadway expansion instead of multimodal improvements.
- Stakeholder resistance: Local businesses and residents may worry about loss of parking, impacts to property access, or removal of mature street trees.
- Maintenance concerns: Responsibilities for snow, leaf, and tree root maintenance may shift to property owners, creating new burdens.
- Traffic fears: Some believe reducing car infrastructure will cause congestion or hinder emergency services.
Case Study: Community Feedback Shaping Street Design
Public engagement is critical to successful street redesign. In one example, planners considering bike and pedestrian improvements gathered feedback that highlighted:
- Concerns over child safety at wide crossings, especially near schools and parks
- Issues with narrow streets and impacts on mature street trees from proposed paths
- High parking needs for apartment clusters, conflicting with plans to reduce parking
- Preference for alternative, less-trafficked routes if provided with better wayfinding
- Fear of increased bike traffic on narrow streets creating hazards for drivers and residents
Such feedback reinforces the need to carefully balance multimodal improvements with local realities, prioritizing safety and equity while respecting existing community assets.
The Equity Perspective: Addressing Disparities in Mobility
Equitable construction calls for addressing historical disparities in mobility access and safety. Low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, and vulnerable populations often suffer from unsafe roads, poor maintenance, and limited connectivity. These disparities are preventable—agencies must identify and correct the risk factors that produce unequal outcomes.
- Health inequities resulting from disproportionate traffic injuries and deaths
- Limited access to greenways and active transportation routes
- Institutional decision-making that favors affluent or car-centric neighborhoods
- Need for agency stewardship in correcting gaps and building safer pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure
The Business Case for Prioritizing People
The construction industry stands to benefit financially, reputationally, and socially by championing streets designed for people. Forward-thinking firms align with new federal priorities, attract innovative projects, and help build resilient, attractive cities.
- Growing market demand for walkable neighborhoods and active transportation
- Regulatory incentives favor designs supporting environmental and safety goals
- Improved public relations by demonstrating social responsibility and equity
- Opportunity for innovation in materials, methods, and technologies for people-centric cities
Best Practices for Active Transportation Infrastructure
- Engage communities in planning to identify true needs and concerns
- Adopt Complete Streets policies to ensure all projects consider people walking, biking, rolling, and using transit
- Apply rigorous safety standards and perform regular audits
- Review maintenance practices for all seasons to keep paths usable
- Preserve existing greenery and add shade wherever possible
- Collaborate with local agencies on enforcement, education, and outreach
- Seek innovative funding sources—including grants and partnerships—to enable non-motorized improvements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why don’t cities already prioritize walking and biking?
A: Historically, urban construction prioritized traffic flow and parking for cars, based on old transportation models. Changing these priorities requires updating policies, funding programs, and public expectations.
Q: Does prioritizing walking and biking negatively impact local business?
A: Studies show that improved pedestrian and bike access can boost retail activity, as people on foot or bike visit local shops more frequently and spend more over time.
Q: Are bike lanes and pedestrian paths safe year-round?
A: Safety improves with proper maintenance—dedicated snow removal, clear signage, and well-designed crossings are essential, especially in climates with harsh winters.
Q: How can construction projects preserve greenspace and trees?
A: Project planning can include tree surveys, alternative alignments, and protective measures to minimize impacts. Some cities offset any loss by planting new trees and upgrading landscaping.
Q: Is it possible to balance parking needs with active transportation?
A: Flexible curb management strategies, shared parking models, and better wayfinding mitigate parking loss and enhance multimodal access.
Conclusion: Building Streets for People
Reshaping cities to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists calls for bold leadership and collaborative planning. The construction industry can drive progress by adopting people-first design, engaging communities, and leveraging policy support. In doing so, it builds not only safer streets, but also healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable urban environments for everyone.
References
- https://clients.bolton-menk.com/gfegf-bikeped/wp-content/uploads/sites/203/2023/05/Appendix-F-Priority-Draft-Concepts-Engagement-Summary-Memorandum.pdf
- https://www.transportation.gov/pedestrian-bicycle-safety
- https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/FHWA-HRT-25-035.pdf
- https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/How-to-achieve-a-walking-and-cycling-transformation-in-your-city?language=en_US
- https://njdotlocalaidrc.com/perch/resources/aashto-gbf-4-2012-bicycle.pdf
- https://www.roads.maryland.gov/ohd2/bike_policy_and_design_guide.pdf
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