Scenario Planning for Mobility Infrastructure with Focus on Biking and Walkability

Keywords: Biking, Walkability, Sustainability, Ames
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

This project explores ways of improving mobility in Ames by making the transportation system more connected, safe, and sustainable. The goal is to ensure that the city achieves an equally utilized multi-modal transportation system with an increase in biking and walking. To achieve this, the study seeks to use GeoDesign methods and Geographic Information systems to identify the gaps in the transportation system with a focus on biking and walkability. The gap analysis mainly focuses on issues of connectivity, safety, and sustainability. The City of Ames in Iowa was selected as the case study. Three main questions drive this research: What are the issues related to biking and walkability in Ames; Where is it suitable for the bike and sidewalk infrastructure to be improved, and in What ways can biking and walking be encouraged in Ames? The research methodology is based on scenario planning (Avin, 2007) and the Geodesign framework (Steinitz, 2012). The scenario planning model served as a guide for thinking through the possible and desired futures which would ultimately shape the scenarios. The GeoDesign framework also informed the design of the scenarios by structuring the scenario design process in models. Two scenarios for 2035 and 2050 were developed for Ames based on the Geodesign framework models. These scenarios include innovations such as illuminated bike lanes, solar bike lanes, solar-run bike shelters, and permeable sidewalks. Future work will explore other sustainable transportation alternatives and provide ideas for impact assessments of the innovations included in the development of the scenarios.