How can we design buildings to support active transportation?

1. Location: Design buildings in locations that encourage walking and cycling, such as in dense urban areas that are closely connected to transport networks.

2. Access: Ensure that buildings have convenient and secure bike storage and showers/change facilities so that cyclists can freshen up before work or meetings.

3. Walking infrastructure: Design walkways that are clearly marked and easily navigable, with windows that overlook sidewalks to increase visibility and safety.

4. Integration: Integrate active transport with built-in bike sharing systems to provide employees and visitors with easy access to bikes.

5. Parking: Encourage social norms that encourage walking and cycling, and discourage driving. Depending on the location, charging for parking can be an effective way to discourage driving.

6. Employee services: By developing perks like free bikes or parking, building managers can encourage more employees to cycle or walk to work.

7. Planning: Identify future transit, walking and cycling options in the planning phase so that the building accommodates future infrastructure changes.

8. Building design: Incorporate stairs and open stairwells into buildings in prominent locations to encourage employees to use them instead of elevators.

9. Smart technology: The company can add well-located bike racks and improved lighting; in addition, using room sensors and door lock technologies, buildings can make it safer for cyclists to enter, exit and lock bikes in place.

10. Sustainability: Buildings with green roofs and better with natural light make the built environment safer to travel, while also reducing urban heat and improving air quality.

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