Connected Multimodal Networks

RELATED TOPICS: Plan Development, Transit, Complete Streets

Multimodal transportation networks connect community members with jobs, healthcare, educational opportunities, recreation, and a wide range of other services. Accessing these services can be challenging for individuals who walk or bike, due to the fact that many transportation networks were built primarily to facilitate travel by car. Transportation networks for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those who rely on transit may be incomplete or insufficient.

A shift toward developing complete and connected multimodal transportation networks is underway in many communities. Transportation agencies and their partners are focusing attention on comprehensive and extensive networks to reach key destinations by active transportation instead of unattached, standalone pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Achieving connected multimodal networks requires a clear vision and plan. Visual tools and maps can be used to convey existing barriers in transportation networks and identify critical connections. Connected network development requires planning and design approaches that are sensitive to context and flexible to accommodate the needs of all road users. New methods to measure, prioritize, and implement multimodal projects can help agencies achieve networks that work for all community members regardless of age or ability.

Resources

Achieving Multimodal Networks: Applying Design Flexibility and Reducing Conflicts
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Presents practitioner-oriented guidance for agencies who want to apply context-specific design to reduce conflicts and connect their networks.

Guidebook for Measuring Multimodal Network Connectivity
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Shares methods for measuring networks and prioritizing opportunities to build connections.

Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Provides examples of applying nonmotorized network principles in small and rural communities.

Defining Connected Bike Networks
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) and PeopleForBikes
This info brief surveys the impact of connected bike networks and common measurement approaches, and explores tools and strategies to help planning progress.

Improving Pedestrian and Bicyclist Connectivity During Rehabilitation of Existing Bridges
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center and Toole Design
Explores how bridge rehabilitation projects can incorporate multimodal facilities to create safe, comfortable connections for people walking, bicycling, and using other mobility devices.

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Examples

FHWA's Fostering Multimodal Connectivity Newsletter - Summer 2024
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Highlights multimodal innovations that improve safety and connectivity.

Case Studies in Delivering Safe, Comfortable, and Connected Pedestrian and Bicycle Networks (Volume I)
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA, UNC Highway Safety Research Center (HSRC)
This report provides an overview of pedestrian and bicycle network principles and highlights examples from communities across the country.

The Great Bike Infrastructure Project Database
PeopleForBikes
Offers a database of bike projects across the US.

Chicago, IL: Updated Cycling Strategy to Expand Bike Network and Increase Everyday Cycling
City of Chicago
Aims to provide low-stress options and create a connected network.

Montgomery County, MD Launches Multimodal Trip Planner App
SmartCitiesWorld
Reports on a new multimodal trip planner app in Montgomery County, MD.

More Examples >