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Rural Health Information Hub

Active Transportation Models for Rural Communities

Active transportation is any mode of transportation powered by human energy. This model most commonly supports walking or biking, and it also supports rolling, such as rolling a wheelchair, roller blading, skateboarding, scooters, and other forms of non-vehicular physical activity. Small, low-speed, electric-powered forms of transportation, including electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), and other forms of micromobility, are also considered active transportation.

Active transportation models help connect people to their destinations, including other modes of transportation like public transit. Similar to microtransit, active transportation can provide first and last mile connections. In addition, active transportation is an inexpensive, accessible way for residents to get exercise, explore their communities, run errands, and commute to work or school. In some rural communities, walking and biking for transportation is almost as common as in cities.

To ensure the physical safety of rural residents, dedicated infrastructure is needed for biking and walking, including protected bike lanes and pedestrian crosswalks. Infrastructure improvements can also help promote use of active transportation.

Examples of Programs that Promote Active Transportation

Considerations for Implementation

Rural communities interested in active transportation models should consider how infrastructure and the built environment influence safety and use of this form of transportation. Examples of infrastructure to support active transportation include sidewalks, shared-use paths, and separated bikes lanes. Rumble strips are an effective safety feature that reduce crashes where the vehicle crosses the center line or leaves the roadway. Edge-line rumble strips (placed on the shoulder of the road) are particularly effective in reducing crashes on rural freeways. However, rumble strips can make it difficult, uncomfortable, and dangerous for bicyclists to ride along a road shoulder. if there is not at least 4 feet of shoulder space, bicyclists may be forced to ride in the same lane as high-speed traffic, increasing the likelihood of a collision with a vehicle. The Federal Highway Administration provides specific guidance on maximizing the safety benefits of rumble strips for both vehicles and bicycles.

In rural communities, micromobility can ease transportation barriers such as lack of access to public transit, longer distance to destinations, mobility impairments, and lack of personal vehicle. For example, people who are interested in using active transportation may find e-bikes are easier to use than standard bicycles when traveling longer distances. In addition, older adults, people with mobility impairments, and others who struggle to ride a standard bicycle may find e-bikes appealing. E-bikes may also be a more affordable form of transportation for individuals who do not have personal vehicles due to cost barriers.

Resources to Learn More

Safe Routes to School National Partnership: Rural Resources
Website
Includes fact sheets and toolkit specific to rural concerns about the best practices to promote safe routes for walking and biking activities. Offers examples of programs supporting rural efforts.
Organization(s): Safe Routes to School National Partnership

Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks
Document
A resource for community transportation planners in rural settings interested in promoting safe and accessible active transportation options. Describes how to apply national guidelines to rural settings, and offers case studies detailing the implementation process.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
Date: 12/2016

Transportation and Health Tool
Website
Provides data on transportation and public health in the U.S. by state and metropolitan area focusing on the transportation environment and its impact on health. Suggests strategies for improving transportation and health-related outcomes.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Transportation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Using Active Transportation and Context Sensitive Solutions to Enhance Livability in Rural Communities and Small Towns
Video/Multimedia
Discusses strategies for improving livability and connectivity in rural communities through collaborative efforts.
Organization(s): Federal Highway Administration
Date: 3/2017