Historically, streets were spaces shared by pedestrians, slow-moving carriages, and children at play. However, with the rise of automobiles, American cities, including Easton, have shifted to car-centric designs, leaving pedestrians and cyclists feeling unsafe and overlooked. Easton’s compact size and walkable neighborhoods suggest great potential for active transportation, such as walking, biking, and public transit. However, these options remain underutilized due to inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, and poor connectivity, despite research showing that many residents prefer walking as their primary mode of transportation. This project aims to address these barriers by proposing sustainable solutions to improve Easton’s active transportation infrastructure, enhance safety, and promote healthier, green commuting alternatives.
At the end of our project, we will propose three options that contain active transportation features that we believe are best fit for what the city is currently considering and our own potential designs and reconstruction of the space. Simple changes, like extending pedestrian crossing times or implementing all-stop pedestrian phases at intersections, can significantly enhance walkability and safety. Specific challenges, such as crossing Larry Holmes Drive(LHD), where speeding cars create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, will be addressed through traffic-calming measures discussed later in the report.
Cycling infrastructure will also be prioritized to serve residents who lack access to cars and could benefit from bikes as a practical commuting option. This requires designing routes that accommodate daily needs rather than recreational use while addressing Easton’s winter weather challenges, such as snow and ice, through consistent maintenance. By focusing on strategic enhancements, this project aims to make active transportation in Easton safer, more accessible, and more appealing for all residents.