Policy Context
9
“It is the policy of the United States to
develop a National Intermodal
Transportation System that is
economically efficient and
environmentally sound, provides the
foundation for the nation to compete in
the global economy, and will move
people and goods in an energy
efficient manner.” –ISTEA
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
POLICY CONTEXT
Federal Policies
The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act
(ISTEA) of 1991 (which expired in 1997) articulated
the important perspective that goods and people are
transported by a transportation system, not just a
collection of individual modes of transportation,
each of them with separate agencies looking after
their planning, construction and maintenance.
This intermodal perspective explicitly addresses the
pedestrian mode that is part of virtually all trips.
ISTEA also recognized that improving and
sustaining the pedestrian mode, either alone or as
part of a transit trip is a key factor in meeting
environmental goals. The Massachusetts Pedestrian
Transportation Plan is a direct consequence of the
attention that walking received in ISTEA and state
transportation policy.
position in considering pedestrians and bicycles in
highway planning, design, construction, and
operation.
Massachusetts Policies
Over the last few years the Massachusetts
transportation agencies have developed Accessing the
Future: The Intermodal Transportation Policy Plan (in
accordance with ISTEA). The plan includes policies
regarding the development of a balanced
transportation system and walking as a
transportation mode. Other actions have also been
taken to see that walkers are considered and
reasonably accommodated in all projects. (See
Chapter 87/H.B. 1940, below.)
The Federal Highway Administration’s May 7, 1991,
Policy on Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects asks FHWA
Division offices to actively encourage and assist
states in implementing pedestrian and bicycle
projects and expresses a strong FHWA leadership
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Policy Context
Consistency with the State Intermodal
Transportation Policy Plan
Accessing the Future: The Massachusetts Intermodal
Transportation Policy Plan provides the policy
guidance for state transportation agencies in the
Commonwealth. Chapter III.F.2 says that
Massachusetts should:
“Adopt a Statewide Pedestrian Policy to support and
promote safe walking in the Commonwealth...”
“Adopt a Statewide Pedestrian Policy
to support and promote safe walking in
the Commonwealth...” –Intermodal
Transportation Policy Plan
The Intermodal Plan further addresses pedestrian
policy in a number of sections. The table below
paraphrases and summarizes the policies, goals, and
objectives of the Long Range Plan as they relate to
the pedestrian transportation system and pedestrian
system users.
Planning Process
The [pedestrian] transportation system should be the
product of an integrated and cooperative planning
process [Policy I, page 2-1].
A Massachusetts Pedestrian Advisory Board should
be convened and consulted [I.A.2, p. 2-1].
Safety
Make [pedestrian] safety a primary consideration in
planning, design, construction, and operation of all
transportation facilities [II, p. 2-3]. Recognize that
bicycling and walking have distinct operational and
safety requirements and plan facilities accordingly
[II.G, p. 2-5].
Equal Access
Provide a transportation system that is accessible to
all people regardless of physical limitation or
economic status. [IV, p. 2-12] Improve access to
sidewalks [IV.A.3] and train transportation providers
to realize the importance of properly maintained
ramps, curb cuts, and other facilities [IV.C, p. 2-13].
Economic Development
The transportation system shall promote economic
development [V., p. 2-14]. Consider needs of the
travel and tourism industry, and improve access to
alternative modes (such as walking). Ensure
planning recognizes the importance of scenic rightsof-way whose character should be maintained [V.D,
p. 2-15].
Environment and Development
Reduce air pollution emissions and energy
consumption through promotion of walking and
other efficient modes [VI.A.9, p. 2-16]. Strengthen
transportation infrastructure in established economic
centers to encourage more energy-efficient modes
and attract higher density development [VI.F, p. 218].
Cost Effective
Build a cost-effective system and use innovative
financing strategies [VII, p. 2-19].
Mobility
Encourage the use of alternative modes [such as
walking] to increase mobility, improve the quality
of life, and provide economic advantages. [III, p. 26] Provide pedestrian [and bicycle] facilities and
encourage pedestrian [and bicycle] travel as a viable
transportation mode. [III.F, p. 2-9]
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Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
Policy Context
Chapter 87 (House Bill 1940)
Regional Policies
The Massachusetts General Court passed and
Governor Weld signed Chapter 87 Acts of 1996
(House Bill 1940) in May, 1996: An Act Relative to
Bicycle and Pedestrian Access in Construction of Public
Ways. This law states the importance of pedestrian
accommodation in all projects.
RPAs throughout Massachusetts are developing
transportation plans that include new policies and
guidance for pedestrians and ways to improve
walking conditions. Walkable development centers
are a cornerstone of some regional planning
initiatives. Regional initiatives include publications
conveying information to town officials and citizens
about the benefits of pedestrian-scale development
patterns.
“The (MHD) commissioner shall make all reasonable
provisions for the accommodation of bicycle and pedestrian
traffic in the planning, design, and construction,
reconstruction or maintenance of any project undertaken
by the department. Such provisions that are unreasonable
shall include, but not be limited to, those which the
commissioner, after appropriate review by the bicycle
program coordinator, determines would be contrary to
acceptable standards of public safety, degrade
environmental quality or conflict with existing rights of
way.”
MBTA and MDC
The 1994 Transportation Bond Bill contained
provisions, similar to those of Chapter 87, directing
the MBTA to provide for the reasonable
accommodation of pedestrians and bicyclists in all
projects (Section 96). The Bill also directed the MDC
to provide for the reasonable accommodation of
bicycle traffic in its projects.
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan
Local Policies
At the local level throughout Massachusetts, cities
and towns from Pittsfield to Provincetown have been
working to improve walking conditions and to use
the pedestrian-scale qualities of their downtowns
and town centers as part of a strategy to promote
economic vitality and tourism. The Community
Walking Resource Guide, prepared for MassHighway
in 1996, features many of these initiatives.
MassHighway Engineering Directive
E-97-004
Engineering Directive, E-97-004, dated July 1,
1997, states that:
"Project design engineers shall use sound
engineering practice in making reasonable
provisions to accommodate... pedestrians in
project designs. This generally includes assuring
continuous paths of travel with smooth surfaces
and without obstructions or impediments."
"The Massachusetts Highway Department
benchmark for pedestrian accommodation is to
include at least a continuous paved surface or
sidewalk on all roadways where pedestrian
access is legally permitted. Sidewalks must be in
full conformance with MAAB/ADA regulations."
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Policy Context
9-4
Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan