Adopting Sustainable Transportation Design: Mitigating Heat Island Effects in Tucson Communities

Abstract

This study looks at the communities located in two zip codes of Tucson, AZ, which are 85713 & 85757. In this research, solutions for issues such as Urban sprawl, Urban heat island effects, and insignificant usage of active transportation methods are explored. Residents of both areas participated in two surveys. We concluded that many of the residents heavily rely on automobiles for travel, especially in the area of 85757 because they are far from the major urban centers. Also, many of the residents of both zip codes felt that their neighborhood was too hot to consider active transportation methods and that activities such as biking and walking were unsafe or inaccessible. However, through the surveys, many participants are open to consider and adopt active transportation methods should their neighborhoods and built environments allow for it. We can allow this to become a reality through sustainable design. With programs such as Tucson’s complete streets and Bike Boulevards, we can promote healthier and safer transportation. A sustainable street model was developed to promote safe active transportation, create shade while lessening heat island effects, and beautify the city of Tucson.