The Implementation of Active Transportation Policies at the Local Level: Findings From a North Carolina Survey

Abstract

In the current intergovernmental environment to improve transportation infrastructure, states typically set walking and biking policy. However, local governments, which control budget priorities and land-use policy, also need to support those policies in order to provide for successful implementation. Unfortunately, little is known about state and local priorities when it comes to active transportation. Therefore, the following study examines active transportation policies in North Carolina from the local government perspective. This study asks those responsible for implementing transportation policy at the local level the following questions: Does support for improved infrastructure vary based by land use type, population density, and organizational structure? From the local government perspective is walking and biking safe or unsafe in their jurisdiction?What if any barriers exist to providing improved infrastructure that promotes safety? The responses serve as local government perspectives about what conditions may inform the nature and extent of bicycle and pedestrian active transportation projects in