Private provision of public pedestrian and bicycle access ways: public policy rationale and the nature of public and private benefits

The preparation and implementation of a system of access ways throughout the community will result in economic improvements that will benefit the entire community. Private property owners will benefit, especially for commercial property that allows access to nearby customer bases in residential areas and employment centers. At the same time, the provision of access ways will reduce the magnitude of the public's subsidies to and adverse externalities that result from automobile dependency. Separating pedestrian and bicycle traffic from streets and providing pedestrian and bicycle access ways will make travel easier for all who access such ways. Public benefits include reduced congestion, reduced air and noise pollution, reduced public costs associated with highway construction and maintenance, reduced energy consumption, improved pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and overall improvements in environmental and social quality of life factors. Private benefits include reduced driving costs, increased investment in downtowns, and increased private property values.