active transportation

This article compares walking and cycling policies and facilities in the U.S. versus Western Europe. The latter--namely, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark—enjoy a higher active transportation mode share across all demographic groups. The U.K., however, falls between the U.S. and the other countries. The article looks back to efforts, dating to the 1970s, in the high active transportation mode share countries, starting with policies that would result in the implementation of such measures as traffic calming, integration of active modes with transit, compact development, stricter training and regulations for drivers, the natural environment, and comprehensive/integrated planning. The article concludes that only a suite of measures will help promote cycling and walking.