Infrastructure’s Influence on Active Travel in Tucson

Abstract

Compared to other cities with a similar population, Tucson, Arizona, has a relatively higher active transportation engagement. However, the city has safety concerns for those who engage in active transportation methods such as cycling and walking. As a result, Tucsonans are hesitant to cycle or walk to their destination, so the city is not reaching its full active transportation engagement potential and reaping those environmental benefits. This research explored Tucsonans’ comfort utilizing specific cyclist and pedestrian facilities through surveys and interviews. The results concluded that Tucsonans’ felt the most comfortable utilizing protected infrastructures, which consist of barriers between automobile traffic and people. With this information, the Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) can address safety woes and encourage more cyclists and pedestrians by appropriately designing Tucson’s roads to support residents’ safety and comfortability.