This document summarizes work done by the Nashville MPO to incorporate health considerations into regional transportation planning. It identifies high crash corridors for walking and bicycling. Research showed links between lack of physical activity and health issues, and higher risks for low-income, minority, and older adult populations. The study developed a regional vision, prioritization tools, and funding strategies for sidewalk and bikeway improvements. It recommends allocating MPO funds to support active transportation, transit, and road projects. The document discusses future directions like linking transportation and health through food access studies, and agency collaboration on issues like safe routes to school.

1. Mayor Karl Dean, Chairman
Incorporating Health in Regional
Transportation Planning
Leslie A. Meehan, AICP
Pro Walk Pro Bike
September 16, 2010

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Support for Active Transportation and
Walkable Communities

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Provide a comprehensive inventory of
existing and planned bicycle and
pedestrian facilities.
Demonstrate how improving walking and
bicycling connectivity increases individual
mobility, enhances transit options, and
promotes active living.
Recommend policy and funding strategies
for the Regional Transportation Plan.
Serve as a framework for identifying and
selecting bicycle/pedestrian projects for
the Regional Transportation Plan.
Provide guidance for engineering,
education, enforcement, encouragement,
and evaluation activities to help improve
the safety of walking and bicycling.
Regional Study: Purpose & Objectives

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What We Learned – Safety Analysis
These data are for planning purposes only
and are protected by USC 409.
• 2,076 reported crashes within
the MPO between 2003-2007
• 107 resulted in a fatality (99
pedestrian & 8 cyclist)
High Crash Corridors include:
• Nolensville Road
• Dickerson Pike
• Murfreesboro Road
• West End Ave
• Charlotte Ave

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What We Learned – Health Analysis
There is a strong link
between the lack of
physical activity and health
(e.g. heart disease, obesity,
and other chronic
conditions).
Research has also shown
certain population groups
have a higher disparity. These
groups include:
There is a strong link
between the lack of
physical activity and health
(e.g. heart disease, obesity,
and other chronic
conditions).
Research has also shown
certain population groups
have a higher disparity. These
groups include:
‐ Low Income
‐ Minority
‐ Older Adults (over 65)

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5 Key Components:
Regional Sidewalk & Bikeway Recommendations
Project Evaluation System
Policies & Programs
Funding for Sidewalk and Bikeway Improvements
Design Guidelines
What We Accomplished

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What We Accomplished: A Regional Vision
Bikeways Sidewalks

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What We Accomplished: Prioritization Tools
7 Criteria and 48 total points
Level of Service – 12 pts
Potential for Walking/Bicycling – 12 pts
Safety – 6pts
Connectivity – 6pts
Health Impact – 6pts
Congestion – 6pts
Local Plans – 3pts

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What We Accomplished: Funding Strategies
Key Highlights
Recommendations Cost
Funding Gap & Recommended Funding Level
Funding Level Annually 25 Year Horizon Study Recommendations Funding Gap
Current $14.37 Million $359 Million $793 Million $433 Million
2.21 Times Current Level $31.70 Million $793 Million $793 Million ‐
$149 Million – Sidewalk Recommendations
$644 Million – Bikeway Recommendations

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New Regional Policy &
Strategies

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Regional Goals
Maintain and Preserve the Efficiency, Safety, and Security of the
Region’s Existing Transportation Infrastructure;
Manage Congestion to Keep People and Goods Moving;
Encourage Quality Growth and Sustainable Land Development
Practices;
Protect the Region’s Health & Environment;
Support the Economic Competitiveness of the Greater Nashville Area;
Offer Meaningful Transportation Choices for a Diverse Population
including the Aging;
Encourage Regional Coordination, Cooperation, & Decision‐Making;
and
Practice Thoughtful, Transparent Financial Stewardship by Ensuring
that Transportation Improvements meet Regional Goals.

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MPO’s Urban STP Investment Strategy
15% minimum investment in Active Transportation
& Walkable Communities
Sidewalks, bicycle lanes, greenways, transit stops,
amenities – MPO BPAC PRIORITIZATION!
10% minimum flexed to Transit
Combined with FTA funds to help implement
regional vision for mass transit
5% minimum reserved for stand‐alone ITS/
Incident Management Upgrades
Support for smaller projects that make our system
smarter and more efficient

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Remainder (approx. 70%) to Location Specific
Roadway Improvements
System Preservation & Enhancement – 15%
Quality Growth and Sustainable Development – 15%
Multi‐Modal Options – 15%
Health & Environment – 10%
Safety & Security – 10%
Freight & Goods Movement – 10%
Congestion Management – 10%
State & Local Support/ Investment – 15%
MPO’s Urban STP Investment Strategy

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Roadway Project Candidates

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Support for Active Transportation

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More to come:
Linking Transportation & Health

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The Future of Transportation Planning
Future Mandates
Transportation projects will be held accountable for
impact on personal health as they are already held
accountable for impact on environmental health (air and
water quality).
Wide‐Spread Adoption of Complete Streets Concept
Transportation projects will be required to provide
transportation choices that include active transportation
and serve all ages/ability levels of users.

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Being Aware of Our Health
What We Eat and How We Move
•Access to Healthy Foods
•Physical Activity through Active
Transportation

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Linking Health and Transportation
Food Access and Transportation
Physical Activity Travel Study
Health Impact Assessment project
Agency Collaboration – Policy and Education
Education – Safe Routes to School, Regional
Symposiums

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Food Access and Transportation
10 grocery stores
and 1 emergency
food source located
within one mile of
project
12 schools within 2
miles
Community and
religious centers
Corridor has
planned bike/ped
facilities but road
widening project
does not include
those facilities.

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Data will show which mode of travel allows for most energy expenditure and physical activity
Physical Activity/ Travel Behavior

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Health Impact Assessment
Health Impact Assessment of
proposed Transit Oriented
Development (2‐year project)
Includes active transportation,
environmental assessment
and food access
recommendations
Collaboration with CPPW
grant to create HIA criteria as
part of land development
project review process

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Agency Collaboration
TN Strategic Highway Safety
Plan – first bike/ped language
Bicycle-friendly Rumble Strip Policy
Bicycle/Ped Laws included in
Drivers License Manual and Test
Training law enforcement officers
on bike/ped laws

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Safe Routes to Schools
Safe Routes to Schools P.E. Teacher Training Program for all P.E. Teachers
in MPO Region
SRTS multi‐year Data Collection Effort with MTSU
Partner with SRTS State Network Project for Tennessee

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Regional Symposiums
Complete Streets Symposium
2‐Day Workshop
National Experts from Complete Streets Coalition
Keynote Luncheon – Mayor Floyd, Decatur, GA
January 2010
School Siting Symposium
1‐Day Workshop
National Experts from EPA and UNC
Public Decision Makers and Private Firms
January 2010

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Tennessee Obesity Taskforce
MPO and YMCA Co‐Chairs 2011‐2012
Advocacy
Breastfeeding
Built Environment/Transportation/
Parks & Recreation
Early Childhood
Evaluation
Food Systems
Health Systems
Schools
Vulnerable Populations
Worksites
Coordinated School Health
Tennessee Cancer Coalition
Healthy Memphis Common Table
Community Food Advocates/Food Trust
Knoxville Childhood Obesity Coalition
Chattanooga Partnership for Healthy Living Network
YMCA Pioneering Healthier Communities (in 6
jurisdictions of Tennessee)
Metropolitan/Rural Planning Organizations
ECO – Every Child Outdoors

28. Livability. Sustainability. Prosperity. Diversity.