Effort will integrate non-vehicular modes into transportation system

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato today announced the completion of Active Allegheny, the County’s first comprehensive active transportation plan. Active Allegheny integrates non-vehicular modes of transportation, specifically walking and biking, into the County’s transportation system. The plan is available online at www.activeallegheny.com.

“Active Allegheny integrates walking, biking, and other active, healthy travel modes into our existing transportation system,” said Onorato. “Planning and prioritizing investments in commuter bike routes and walking facilities will enhance our existing transportation network and provide sustainable travel choices to move people to and from their destinations. This plan is a blueprint for improved access and choices to connect people to communities, work sites, schools, attractions and residences.”

Active Allegheny focuses on connectivity, access and mobility through five specialized plan components, each of which discusses potential opportunities, details recommended system improvements, and proposes policies, models and programs. The components are:

• Bike Allegheny – A plan to enhance bicycling as a mode of travel in the County and to create dedicated commuter bikeways and connect them with other activity centers and transportation modes;
• Walk & Roll Allegheny – A plan to improve pedestrian travel and walking routes, including ADA accessibility to facilitate connectivity and mobility;
• Other Active Transportation – A plan to improve access for other travel modes, such as kayaks and skateboards;
• Complete the Street – A plan to provide prototypes and examples for three “Complete Streets” projects that create thoroughfares and accommodate pedestrians, bikers, transit and vehicles in a safe manner with connectivity among all modes; and
• Action for Active Transportation – A plan that includes policy and programmatic recommendations, funding sources and strategies, as well as public education and marketing efforts.

Active Allegheny outlines investments toward sustainable improvements for both short- and long-term community benefits. The plan identifies projects, potential funding sources and strategies to promote active transportation. Active Allegheny will be distributed to all 130 municipalities in Allegheny County and other key stakeholders. This will increase awareness of opportunities to advance commuter biking and pedestrian activity. It will serve as a planning and design resource manual for active transportation efforts.

Allegheny County developed the plan in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Funding was provided through a competitive Pennsylvania Communities Transportation Initiative grant.

As part of the planning effort, the project team performed a facilities inventory to establish baseline conditions of active transportation in Allegheny County. The team also conducted site visits to confirm the presence and condition of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in identified focus areas and commuter corridors.

Focus areas and existing facilities were then mapped to assist in identifying potential connectivity to the larger transportation network of trails, parks, greenways and bicycle-compatible roadways based on guidelines from PennDOT and the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials.

Stakeholder coordination and public participation were integral to the Active Allegheny planning process. Public involvement was encouraged through the plan’s website, online survey, Facebook page and public meetings. The County also gathered input at the Allegheny Green & Innovation Festival and other public events.

# # #

Active Allegheny is an implementation activity of Allegheny Places, the County’s comprehensive plan, which establishes a vision for the County and includes strategies to achieve that vision. For additional information on Allegheny Places, visit www.alleghenyplaces.com.

 Print Version