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.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
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.
