Connected Communities Streets connect people to places. In the past, street and roadway design focused almost exclusively on the needs of drivers to the detriment of others, such as bicyclists and pedestrians. This narrow focus often leads to unsafe traveling environments for nondrivers especially in communities that have minimal or no other options than walking or biking along existing streets. According to LaDOTD crash data, three cyclists and 11 pedestrians were hit by cars in Baker between 2013 and 2017, with two pedestrians severely injured. These accidents all occurred in areas where roads lacked multi-modal transportation facilities, such as sidewalks or bike lanes (Baker Bike/Ped Plan, 2020). In the Baker United recovery planning process, residents and key stakeholders prioritized increasing safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Jurisdictions across the nation, including East Baton Rouge Parish, are currently addressing deficiencies in street design and calls for increased safety through adopting a Complete Street framework. Complete Streets allow pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles to safely coexist. Sometimes this is done by slowing traffic and providing on-street accommodations for nondrivers. Other times, it is safer to create buffers or dedicated pathways that physically separate drivers and nondrivers. This strategy can be combined with creating accessible sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as crosswalks and signage that prepare drivers for cyclists and pedestrian interactions. Many designs also integrate new public spaces, such as parklets and sidewalk cafés, to encourage public use of these spaces. Connected Communities provide the ability for all community members, regardless of age, ability, or access to resources, to move around their community safely. Transportation networks are multi-modal when they are designed to be safe, convenient, and comfortable for all users whether they drive cars, ride bikes, take the bus, or walk. Multi-modal designs should also consider accessibility, so people of all ages, income levels, and physical abilities can move around their community. These networks can reinforce and beautify a city’s existing transportation network and encourage safe and healthy connections with external destinations. Encouraging walking and biking reduces automobile use and increases community health + wellbeing. Through intentional design, trails and pathways can also connect Baker to surrounding communities and resources.
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Resilient & Healthy Baker
