Walking and biking are popular forms of transportation around the University of Arizona campus. A 2009 transportation report shows that 27 percent of the commuting population to campus chooses walking or cycling over driving—that’s about 11,000 people a day arriving by bike or on foot.

Those who do drive have to walk from parking areas to classes and other campus destinations. UA also sits at the nexus of Tucson’s busiest bicycle commuting routes, attracting many cyclists who pedal through campus.

The high numbers of bicyclists and walkers on campus sometimes leads to congested bikeways and tangled intersections, resulting in safety concerns. The UA Parking & Transportation Services (PTS), in partnership with Pima Association of Governments and the City of Tucson, is taking a close look at ways to improve safety and further encourage walking and cycling on and around campus.

“Increasing biking and walking trips benefits the region and the campus, as it improves air quality, reduces congestion, and reduces transportation costs. On an individual level it improves health and saves money,” said David Heineking, director of UA Parking and Transportation.

As a part of the study, PTS recently launched a survey to learn about the perceived barriers to biking and walking, the frequency and reason for bike and walk trips, and the importance of different strategies to improve conditions for bikers and walkers. The survey is currently open to students, staff, and the general public. The survey should take less than 10 minutes, and participants have the option of entering a drawing for a $100 gift card to REI once completed.  Anyone may take the survey, even if you don’t walk or bike around campus. The survey is accessible at:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CABPNP1.

“We are delighted to work closely with our partners, Pima Association of Governments and the City of Tucson on this most important project. The study has been coordinated by UA students. Chloe Forsman has done an excellent job in this study,” Heineking said.

In addition to the survey, the project team will host an open house next spring where students, staff, and residents can provide their input on improving conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians within the campus region. The study will culminate with a planning document that identifies specific strategies to increase safety and the number of people biking and walking within the campus area.

For more information, visit the PTS website at www.parking.arizona.edu.