Develop Plans and Policies

Map of development densities

Pedestrian-friendly communities have one thing in common: they place a high priority on short- and long-term planning methods and policy-making that incorporate and support non-motorized transportation. Planning so that pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists alike can travel safely and harmoniously is sometimes a difficult balancing act, but the positive benefits reaped by a comprehensive transportation plan are overwhelming.

Land use and transportation planning is key to establishing quality multimodal service and to affording choices in transportation to community members. Thorough planning enables a community to become proactive rather than reactive in addressing concerns about pedestrian access, mobility, safety, and aesthetics. In the end, this can save time, money, and lives.

Learn more about the various levels of pedestrian planning, what goes into good pedestrian planning, how the walking mode can be integrated into plans and policies, what policies and regulations in states and cities have made improvements for bicycling and pedestrian conditions, and review sample pedestrian plans.