New Urbanism and the Bicycle

Since the 1950s, the dominant pattern of urban growth in this country has been one of sprawling, low-density development at the outer edge of cities and in rural areas. These auto-oriented subdivisions, strip malls, and office parks have consumed vast stretches of productive farmland and natural habitat while sapping the vitality from downtowns and central city neighborhoods.

As the American dream fades into a blur of traffic and crass commercialism, many people are attempting to reverse this trend by supporting a "new" approach to community development. This approach is called "New Urbanism" or Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND)

Proponents look to the older neighborhoods found in their communities and suggest that they have retained their value because of their compact physical layout, their rich mixture of building types, and their pedestrian-friendly streets and public spaces.

Mixture of Land Uses. Embedding shops, offices, civic buildings, and a variety of housing types within these neighborhoods, rather than isolating them in remote areas, encourages social interaction and allows people to run daily errands without having to drive. Current zoning ordinances frequently prohibit the existence of commercial enterprises in residential neighborhoods.

Pedestrian-Friendly Design. Placing buildings near the street, minimizing the impact of parking, adding visual interest to the sidewalk and other public spaces, and making streets safer and more comfortable for non-motorists will make it more likely that people will walk or bicycle in their neighborhoods. Boulevards, streets and pathways that are well-defined and safe for pedestrians create pleasant shopping environments, provide areas for children to play, and help link important neighborhood destinations.

Balanced Transportation. A broad range of transportation options reduces reliance on the car, moves people and goods more efficiently, and provides convenient and affordable mobility for people of all ages and incomes.

The Role of Bicycles and Bicycle Advocates
Where do bicycles fit into this new paradigm? Bicycles are becoming more and more popular for both commuting and recreational purposes. Their door-to-door capabilities make them attractive for shorter trips, particularly those between one and four miles. When they are substituted for automobile trips, they reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and parking requirements.

Since the needs of bicyclists mesh so well with the needs of both pedestrians and transit users, it makes sense for bicyclists to support policies that also benefit these groups. Such a coalition can go a long way toward overcoming resistance to "New Urbanism" developments and in supporting new zoning codes that do not assume all people are motorists, as well as eliminating poor street connections, dangerous intersections, and other barriers to bicycling.