Active transportation includes non-motorized movement like walking, cycling, and using mobility devices. Policies promoting active transportation create safe, interconnected facilities for all individuals, leading to improved community health, economic support, and sustainable transportation options. It encompasses various human-powered travel modes and serves as a key commuting method across urban, suburban, and rural areas. The benefits extend beyond mobility, enhancing public health, economic development, quality of life, and environmental quality.
Ride a Bike
Biking is a healthy, accessible, and cost-effective way to get around. It has a minimal environmental impact, with no fuel costs or parking fees, low maintenance expenses, and it provides excellent cardiovascular exercise.
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Pennsylvania boasts over 2,400 miles of bike routes, with a growing emphasis on enhancing bicycling safety and accessibility. Explore the state’s designated BicyclePA routes and the variety of trails available in Pennsylvania.
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Cycling to the train or bus terminal and utilizing public transit is another practical option.
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Prioritize safety while biking.
Bike Share
Bike share systems enhance accessibility by offering convenient and affordable bicycle access without the need for ownership. They help alleviate traffic congestion, encourage active transportation, and provide vital connections to public transit for the first and last mile. Supporting or expanding local bike share initiatives can foster a more equitable, sustainable, and bike-friendly community. Learn more about the advantages of bike share programs.
POGOH is the public bike-sharing system in Pittsburgh, operated by Pittsburgh Bike Share, which aims to deliver a joyful, sustainable, and affordable mobility service for all residents and visitors.
Park and Ride Locations
These PennDOT-maintained Park and Ride facilities offer a safe, convenient location for commuters to leave their automobiles and travel to their destinations in carpools, vanpools or buses.
Public Transit Options
Public transportation offers a convenient and easy alternative to gridlocked commutes and high gas prices. Compared to driving, public transit is less expensive, safer and better for the environment. It also significantly reduces traffic congestion, saves energy and benefits the communities it serves. It’s the way millions of Americans commute to work every day. The use of public transportation is growing faster than both vehicle and airplane travel.
More and more, Pennsylvania residents are relying on public transportation as a way to get to and from their workplace, doctor’s office, shopping malls and recreational places.
Pennsylvania offers programs to make transportation accessible to everyone, including seniors and persons with disabilities. Learn about state-offered services.
Take a Walk
Walking is a healthy mode of transportation that minimizes your environmental impact while eliminating vehicle costs and parking fees. It’s essential to extend the same level of respect to both walkers and drivers. Safety is a shared responsibility. By understanding the laws and adhering to safety guidelines, you can ensure a safe experience whether you are walking or driving.
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General Pedestrian Laws
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Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code details the rights and duties of pedestrians.
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Generally, people walking may cross the street at any point, but pedestrians and motorists must understand their responsibilities. Below are the basic laws to follow when crossing the street or driving.
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When a pedestrian crosses the street in a crosswalk, the driver must yield.
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Drivers are not required to yield until you begin to step into the crosswalk.
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Pedestrians should not walk or run unexpectedly into the path of a moving vehicle. Pedestrians should not assume drivers will see or yield. Look left, right, and left again before stepping out.
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It is illegal for drivers to pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, as the second driver may not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk.
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If a pedestrian crosses the street not at an intersection and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles.
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When crossing the street at a signalized intersection, both pedestrians and motorists must obey the traffic-control devices.
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These signs and signals help identify who must yield.
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When walking along a road with sidewalks and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway.
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Tips for Pedestrians
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Cross only at crosswalks. Don’t cross between parked cars.
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Look left, right then left again and keep looking.
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Wait for a gap in traffic, then step one foot off the curb or fully enter crosswalk and make eye contact with approaching drivers.
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Always obey traffic signs and signals especially pedestrian count down timers.
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See and be seen – drivers need to see you to avoid you. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or carry a flashlight at night.
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Watch for turning vehicles at intersections, even if you have the right-of-way and proceeding lawfully.
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Watch your children. Children can’t judge a vehicle’s speed and distance and need the help of an adult to be safe.
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On streets with multiple lanes in each direction, be aware of what drivers in both near lanes are doing. If one driver is allowing you to cross, the other might not see you.
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If no sidewalk is available, walk as far on the side of the road as you can, and always walk against traffic.
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Always be aware of your surroundings, and never get distracted.
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