One can define a policy statement as an official document that highlights various ways in which a given organisation carries out its affairs. It is supposed to give guidelines on how to conduct a given activity when need arises. Policy statements are usually formulated by the management of organisations and are supposed to be used by employees. Examples of policy statements include an anti-corruption policy and a road transport policy. This paper seeks to review the U.S. transportation policy statement on bicycle and pedestrian accommodation regulations and recommendations.
The U.S. Department of Transport (DOT) has a policy aimed at incorporating safe and convenient walking and bicycling amenities into projects on transport. All transportation agencies are responsible for the improvement of conditions and opportunities that allow for bicycling and walking. They are also supposed to incorporate bicycle riding and walking into their systems of transport. This is because of the many benefits that bicycling and walking give to the public.
The purpose of the DOT policy on bicycle and pedestrian accommodation is to highlight its support for the formulation of active transport systems that are fully integrated. This formulation is vital in the promotion of a good community co-existence environment. This will also help create safer and conducive living conditions for all the road users. Besides, legislation also requires developers put into account the welfare of cyclers and pedestrians.
Bicycling and walking have various benefits to both the individuals and the environment. They promote the need to physical exercise hence improving on the physical health of the individuals doing the walks and rides. Further, they also reduce potential vehicle emissions that could result from fuel use. When individuals opt to walk or cycle, they eliminate the need to use their cars. These cars emit greenhouse gases that pollute the environment. It is because of these reasons that DOT finds it necessary to make sure that cyclists and pedestrians are put into consideration (FHWA, 2010).
I find this policy fairly balanced and within reason. DOT has created sections that describe how pedestrians and bicyclists of all sorts ought to participate in the planning processes. This should help them not to be affected negatively by other transportation projects. For this reason, DOT encourages stakeholders to embrace similar policy statements in their lines of work. To show their appreciation for this policy, stakeholders should go and extra mile in the laid down standards and regulations. This will help them create safe, sustainable, attractive, convenient and accessible cycling and walking systems for pedestrians and cyclers.
Any authority is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of its people. A robust transport system is vital in ensuring that easy movement of people, goods and services is achieved. Proper infrastructure should be put in place to facilitate this process. It is for this reason that DOT aims to sensitize all the stakeholders on the need to work towards this goal. One recommendation that I would like to make to DOT is to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians themselves coexist peacefully. If not well controlled, cyclists may end-up hurting each other. This calls for responsibility from all the road users to ensure that the transport network works well. In other words, each transport system user should be mindful of the other.
References
FHWA, (2010). Bicycle and pedestrian. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved from http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/overview/policy_accom.cfm
