New Policy Statement
The US Department of Transportation has recently published new findings about ways to promote safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. The new policy statement of UDOT states the following:
Every transportation agency, including DOT, has the responsibility to improve conditions and opportunities for walking and bicycling and to integrate walking and bicycling into their transportation systems. Because of the numerous individual and community benefits that walking and bicycling provide — including health, safety, environmental, transportation, and quality of life — transportation agencies are encouraged to go beyond minimum standards to provide safe and convenient facilities for these modes.
New Recommendations
- Promote cycling and walking as equally efficient modes of transportation. Cycling and walking are the most environmentally friendly ways to get around and can often be paired with other public transit methods.
- Ensure transportation choices exist for people of all ages and abilities with children being at the forefront of concern. This is especially pertinent for routes to and from school, in neighborhoods, and other areas that are heavily trafficked by children.
- Enable pedestrian and cyclist passage ways along bridges with connections to other street paths.
- Encourage data collection for walking trips and cycling voyages. This allows for further planning, goal-setting, and future plan-implementation strategies.
- Remove snow from shared paths and sidewalks and continue to improve maintenance on existing paths.
For state and local governments that are looking to get involved in implementing the above suggestions, a link can be found here.
Individual Involvement
If you wish to get involved with UDOT’s initiative for active transportation, the potential benefits are the following, or more can be found here.
- Get maps and directions to DOT headquarters.
- Find information about bicycle parking at and around the building.
- Find a bicycle mentor who can help you find the best travel route.
- Join the Bicycle Commuter Group at DOT.
Christensen and Hymas advocates for the increased safety and for the well-being of both cyclists and pedestrians within the state of Utah. Being cyclists ourselves, we emphasize the great benefit cycling can be for health, enjoyment, and the environment, but we also encourage everyone to maintain safety precautions.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a cycling accident and experienced injuries, call us at (801)506-0800 for a free consultation. You deserve to be compensated for the injuries, loss of income, and pain and suffering that you have received from another’s negligence.