Shifting from Cars: Online Survey Reveals Opportunities and Challenges

FLAGSTAFF — 79% of drivers are willing to shift to another means of travel according to a recent online survey participated in by 640 Flagstaff area residents. However, those means like biking and transit need to be much safer and more convenient than they are today. “Understanding people’s choices helps us design systems and facilities that meet their individual transportation needs and larger community goals like climate and the economy,” said MetroPlan Planning Manager, David Wessel. MetroPlan, the region’s transportation planning organization, is developing Stride Forward a 20-25 year transportation plan.

Driving is sometimes a necessity according to 89% of respondents.  Carrying packages and making multiple stops were cited as frequent reasons why by 54%.  About one-third listed lack of transit and transporting multiple people as frequent reasons.  Additionally, 68% of respondents affirmed they choose driving over other modes for safety reasons.  Weather (71%) and avoiding bike crashes (64%) were the greatest reasons.  Avoiding crashes while walking was listed by 37%.  This corresponds to the 45% stating dissatisfaction with the number of bike lanes and trails and the 39% dissatisfied with the number of sidewalks and crosswalks. 

Homes close to work, shopping and services enable shorter car trips and shifts from cars to easier walking, biking and transit. 76% of respondents said they would consider moving to a community like this, sometimes referred to as New Urban design. However, people became less likely to choose a New Urban community as larger building types were proposed.  When duplexes or four-plexes were proposed, 25% were “much less likely to choose” such a community. When 3-4 story apartments with retail were proposed 46% were “much less likely to choose” it, and this jumped to 59% for 5-6 story buildings.  Conversely, if New Urban communities have frequent small parks and wide, landscaped sidewalks 55% are “much more likely to choose” to move to them while frequent transit service garnered a 40% response. 

About 16% of the respondents live outside Flagstaff city limits.  Compared to MetroPlan’s November 2021 random sample survey the online respondents tended to be older, more educated, more likely to ride bicycles, and be less satisfied with the current transportation system. MetroPlan is assessing differences between groups and areas and expects to issue a report within the next two weeks.  Readers may visit www.metroplanflg.org/strideforward to learn more or contact David Wessel at david.wessel@metroplanflg.org.