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Dec 01

Cave Spring Students Weigh in on Better Ways to Walk and Bike to School

Posted on December 1, 2016 at 2:38 PM by Bailey Howard-DuBois

Career Expo

At the first ever Cave Spring High School Career Expo on November 30, Roanoke County Planning and Zoning staff demonstrated real life planning exercises by asking students in grades 8-12 what road improvements would encourage them to walk or bike to class instead of drive or take the bus.

Many of the students surveyed said that they would be happy to walk or bike but felt it was unsafe and inefficient. Others stated they liked to drive, but still had strong preferences for the street and sidewalk designs that they would be willing to try.

The results overwhelmingly indicated that students wanted to bike on separated paths or sidewalks, rather than on bike lanes or shared lanes. Similarly, students selected pedestrian options that moved walkers off of the shoulder. The results also indicated that students didn't mind the idea of sharing walking space with bicyclists.

This basic survey showed students the relationship between public engagement and the transportation improvement process. It was also a great opportunity for the County to better understand student transportation preferences and consider options for improving routes for (young) bicyclists and pedestrians in the future. 

Note: Students were given one dot for each poster. There is no difference between red and green dots.

Career Expo Exhibit
Cyclist Survey. Top left: on-road/shared lanes; top right: sidewalk; lower left: shared use path/greenway; lower right: bicycle lane.

Career Expo Exhibit
Pedestrian Survey: Top left: shoulder; top right: sidewalk; lower left: shared use path (greenway); lower right: wide paved shoulder.
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