write two action memos (roughly 750-1000 words) on (Non-Motorized transportation In Toronto area). It can focus on walking, biking, electric vehicles, pick one. The memo should make clear and specific recommendations that consider the opportunities and challenges presented in the cases. Be sure to organize your memo clearly with headings or other devices to effectively separate and highlight key ideas, use evidence from the case to support your argument, and use crisp jargon-free English. Please Look at the sample below by someone else.
Action Memo 2: Updated Arlington Hike and Bike System Master Plan
Anna Laura Harmjanz
PLAN 4395
Due
Date: 4/7/21
MEMORANDUM
To: City of Arlington
From: Anna Laura Harmjanz
Subject: Updated Arlington Hike and Bike System Masterplan
Date: 4/7/21
Revisiting 2011 Arlington Hike and Bike System Masterplan
Arlington’s Hike and Bike System Masterplan created in 2011 has not been updated since its publishing year. The masterplan visioned for “Hike and Bike facilities [to be] built properly with safety as a priority in all cases”; however as of 2021, Arlington has been ranked as the 13th deadliest city for cyclists (carinsurance.org). The plan also visioned for “more people will choose to hike or bike to their destination instead of driving”, yet only 0.2% of Arlington’s population uses a bike as their commuting method (bestplaces.net). Such discrepancy addresses the need for an updated masterplan using strategies and guidelines to allow for safer bicycle travel and increase the share of commuter trips through non-motorized forms of transportation.
The following recommendations are given for an updated Masterplan:
1. Increase availability of protected bicycle lanes.
2. Increase bike parking in Downtown Arlington.
3. Re-form the Hike and Bike Advisory Committee (HBAC)
4. Changes in Zoning- High Density Mixed Use
Protected Bicycle Lanes
The Hike and Bike System Masterplan only includes bicycle lanes such as: sharrows (shared bike/car bicycle lanes), paved shoulders, wide outside lanes, and unprotected bike lanes. Studies have shown that protected bicycle lane infrastructure increases perceived safety of users and attracts greater ridership of all levels. Protected bicycle lanes should be placed on busy streets as to reduce the risk of collision with nearby vehicles. For lower bicycle lane infrastructure costs, a buffered design with bollards or flexible delineators would be recommended for streets above the 30mph speed limit. In combination with protected bicycle lanes, painted bike lane paths should be considered to alert drivers of cyclists. For an example of a suggested protected bicycle lane design in Arlington, see Figure 1.
Figure 1
Picture courtesy of NACTO
Bike Parking and Showers/Lockers
The 2011 Hike and Bike System Masterplan promised to “ensure high-quality, placement, and function of bike parking to ensure practical, safe, and functional use” as well as considering “end of trip facilities and lockers”. Some of the important parking locations listed in the masterplan include Downtown Arlington, key shopping centers, and key places of employment. As of 2021 Downtown Arlington does not offer any bicycle parking nor showers or lockers for users. For greater security and convenience of cyclists, bike stations are recommended to be adopted in the updated masterplan. Studies have shown that secure indoor bike parking with shower facilities have increased ridership levels for workers. For lower cost options, installation of simple bicycle racks would allow for safer bike parking and encourage residents to bike for transportation. Racks must be conveniently installed close to users’ destinations and regularly checked on for signs of damage.
Hike and Bike Advisory Committee
The Hike and Bike System Masterplan of 2011 included the creation of the recommended program called the Hike and Bike Advisory Committee, also known as HBAC. The HBAC was loosely organized until 2012, and since then has not been reformed. According to the Masterplan, the HBAC would “provide a communications link between the citizens and the City, as well as an avenue for reviewing/revising project priorities”. Some of the responsibilities of the HBAC include participating in education outreach, advocacy, partnerships, events and community service. The HBAC was loosely organized for about a year after the plan was adopted (2012), but currently there is no “HBAC.” Given the low ridership in Arlington and lack of community participation in the Hike and Bike System Masterplan, an HBAC will be crucial to involve the community and allow citizens to voice their needs and ideas to have safer pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Marketing has shown to increase levels of bicycling in cities around the world through advertisements, community events, and educational training. The HBAC would play a critical role in encouraging community members to cycle as a main form of transportation.
Zoning Changes
Leading cyclist cities such as Vienna have benefited from its mixed-use development. Higher density development in Arlington will allow residents to have shorter commutes to work, school, shopping, and entertainment and as a result decrease traffic congestion and pollution. High-density mixed-use development would also allow for a greater variety of mobility options through sidewalks, public transportation (if Arlington were to explore this area) and encourage higher cycling levels.
Next Steps and Discussion
The city of Arlington has to address many of the gaps in its Hike and Bike System Masterplan to allow for safer and increased cycling through protected bicycle lanes, increased bike parking and facilities, starting the HBAC, and making necessary changes in its zoning. Financing the transformation of Arlington’s bike system will require a variety of funding sources including national, state, local, as well as private donations and support from advocacy groups. Some examples of federal funding include Fixed Guideway Capital Investment Grants, Transportation Alternatives, and Safe Routes to School program. Different from the 2011 plan, the updated masterplan must put greater emphasis on cycling as a transportation method rather than recreational use. Although the former masterplan had envisioned many improvements to its cycling infrastructure, few have been successfully implemented. It will be crucial for city leadership and community members to hold the political will to follow through the plans in order to have more sustainable transportation options in Arlington.
Sources and statistics mentioned:
Hike and Bike System Masterplan 2011:
https://arlingtontx.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_14481062/File/City%20Hall/Depts/Office%20of%20Strategic%20Initiatives/Citywide%20and%20Area%20Plans/Hike%20and%20Bike%20System%20Master%20Plan/Hike_and_Bike_System_Master_Plan
Arlington 13th deadliest city:
The 20 Most Dangerous U.S. Cities for Cyclists [+Death Totals]
NACTO design:
https://nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2-4_FHWA-Separated-Bike-Lane-Guide-ch-5_2014
Percent of Cyclists in Arlington Texas
https://www.bestplaces.net/transportation/city/texas/arlington
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