Walkable and Cyclable Streets: Environmental Requirements Promoting Active Mobility

This study examines differences between streets designed for walking and cycling, exploring whether a street optimized for one can also accommodate the other. By comparing four street types—walkable streets, cyclable streets, pedestrian paradises, cyclist paradises, and streets with poor active mobility—using pedestrian and bike counts, the research highlights key factors like land use, transit systems, visual connectivity, and urban design as essential for promoting both walking and cycling. Strategies such as reducing buses and trucks, improving visual connectivity, narrowing roads, and limiting non-residential land use are recommended to enhance active mobility. Interestingly, street trees are found to benefit walking but may hinder cycling. The study concludes by identifying optimal environmental conditions to support both modes of active mobility.