City View: City uses federal grant to experiment with ways to ‘get about’ Columbia

In 2006, Columbia was selected as one of four communities in the United States. to receive $22 million in federal funds for a non-motorized transportation program. The program requires participants use these funds to experiment with ways to entice people to use less gas and reduce traffic congestion by occasionally leaving their cars at home and choosing to walk or bike instead.

Why the investment? The federal government is searching for ways to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Increased vehicle mileage requirements, alternate fuels and hybrid and electric vehicles are all part of the solution as is the idea of fewer cars on the road. The non-motorized pilot program is a federally funded experiment that focuses on just that — giving individuals safe, non-motorized alternatives for short trips. The city’s federally funded effort, GetAbout Columbia, is supplemented by efforts from other bicycling organizations such as the PedNet Coalition (a local nonprofit organization), Columbia Bike Club, Columbia MultiSport Club and several bike shops. These community groups work collectively and independently to promote bicycling and address issues such as education, safety and public policy.

How is Columbia experimenting? While thinking outside the box isn’t usually associated with government programs, the GetAbout Columbia project is specifically designed to experiment with new ideas. Some of the more traditional facilities — bike lanes, trails, bike racks and safer intersections — are part of the program. The GetAbout project is also experimenting with new approaches to safety such as special symbols on bike routes, back-in angle parking, green bike lanes and bike boulevards. The project relies on street markings to encourage both drivers and bicyclists/pedestrians to share our public streetscape in a considerate and consistent manner.

What’s with all the ads on the radio? In addition to infrastructure changes, part of the experiment is to motivate individuals to try non-motorized transportation. We looked around the country to see what was, or might be, effective and committed 15 percent of the federal funds to that effort. In addition to the marketing campaign, we have numerous education and encouragement initiatives that are showing positive results.

Are there other benefits? We expect to reap environmental, economic and health benefits. Reducing atmospheric carbon is a worldwide goal, and the GetAbout project gives each of us the opportunity to make a difference right here at home. Although the term “quality of life” is overused, it is true that people are choosing Columbia as a place to retire because of our trails and bike-friendly reputation. Of course, the exercise we get by biking or walking is a great way to improve our overall health.

Is it possible to reduce our use of the automobile? In some European cities, nearly 40 percent of all trips are by bicycle. Although the U.S. average is less than half of one percent, Portland, Ore., is now showing eight percent of trips by bicycle. Skeptics may say, “Never here — that’s the West Coast, not Missouri.” Cities such as Minneapolis and Madison, Wis., are also showing significant changes, and in Columbia, 1.5 percent of all trips are by bicycle.

Are we getting results? A recent survey showed that the number of Columbia citizens who occasionally walk or bike to work or school has more than doubled. Based on observations and some complaints, it seems there are bikes everywhere. In Portland, the real shift to bicycles took place in the six years following its infrastructure changes. The GetAbout Columbia program is trying to expedite the change, and it appears that it’s having an effect.

When will the experiment be over? Bike lane striping will continue through summer 2010. Several trail projects are ramping up for construction late this year and next. The promotional and education campaign will end next fall. Unless Congress extends the program, we should have everything wrapped up by 2011.

What can the community do to help? Participate! We welcome constructive feedback from individuals who have been affected by some of the experiments (442-7189, 101 North Seventh St., www.getaboutcolumbia.com). For example, we have received numerous comments that the dashed bike lane crossing the turn lane from Forum onto Stadium is confusing. Based on that feedback, we will try something different like a green painted bike lane to see if that is less confusing. We are also analyzing video clips of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle movements, and we will report the results. Again, this is a pilot project, so we will be testing and experimenting throughout the program.

The federal dollars must be used to generate mode shift (i.e. getting people out of their cars). As a pilot program, we are trying new and innovative techniques. Some may work; others may not. As always, we solicit active participation from citizens. The challenge of change is always hard, but we hope Columbia can be a model for the rest of the country to follow.

Let’s GetAbout Columbia together and see where it takes us.