According to the survey, three out of four adults reported being satisfied with provisions for walkers' safety provided by their communities, while only about half of all those responding were satisfied with provisions for bicyclists' safety.
When asked to recommend changes to their communities for either bicycling or walking, 73 percent wanted new bicycle facilities, such as trails, bicycle lanes and traffic signal, and 74 percent wanted pedestrian facilities including sidewalks, lighting and crosswalks.
The survey also showed that people tend to ride bicycles far less often as they grow older. Nearly 40 percent of those 16 to 24 ride a bicycle during the summer, while 26 percent of those 45 to 54 ride. Only about 9 percent of those age 65 and older report they ride a bike.
The decline in walking occurs more gradually as people age. Eighty-two percent of those 16 to 24 take walks, while 80 percent of those 45 and 54 do so. Sixty-six percent of those 65 and older report taking walks.
Why People Don't Walk or Bike
People who do not take walks cite these reasons: disability or other health problems -- 25 percent; unfavorable weather -- 22 percent; and too busy or no opportunity -- 19 percent. Those who do not bike cite lack of access to a bicycle -- 26 percent; too busy or no opportunity -- 17 percent; disability or other health problems -- 10 percent.
Males are more likely to take a bike ride during the summer than are females. However, both groups are about equally likely to take walks during the summer.
The "National Survey of Pedestrian and Bicyclist Attitudes and Behaviors" involved phone interviews with more than 9,600 adults age 16 and older throughout the U.S. conducted during a 10-week period in the summer of 2002. Participants were asked if they took a walk or a bicycle ride during the previous 30 days. The margin of error for the survey is +/-1.5 percentage points.
This study is the most comprehensive of its kind by the Department of Transportation. More findings from the current survey are planned for future release.
DOT Seeks Public Input on Pedestrian Transportation
For the first time ever, DOT is providing an Internet-based site for individuals and groups to go online and submit comments, ideas and analyses regarding pedestrian transportation. The Department also invites comments submitted in writing.
"As we develop new proposals for our surface transportation program, we want to hear from our state and local partners, the private sector and all those who are interested in meeting the transportation challenges of tomorrow," DOT Secretary Mineta said. "The new Web site and the traditional vehicles we have provided will enable stakeholders and citizens everywhere to submit ideas and comments, which will be valuable resources as we move forward with the reauthorization process."
Participants are encouraged to use the DOT's Surface Transportation Reauthorization Website to submit comments online.
Written comments may be sent to the Docket Clerk, USDOT, Room PL-401, Docket Number OST-2002-12170, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590. To order a copy of the brochure write to: Public Affairs, Room 10416, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington, DC 20590
