Examples of Walkable Communities

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Concord: As the state capital, it works on pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and transit solutions, focusing on reducing downtown congestion.

Portsmouth: Actively manages parking demand and promotes alternative transportation options to support its dense downtown area.

Hanover: Features a comprehensive sustainability plan focusing on "complete streets," safe pedestrian/bicyclist infrastructure, and Dartmouth College-supported vanpool programs. They also adopted a "Vision Zero" policy to prioritize safety for all road users.

Marlborough: Adopted a Complete Streets Policy designed to safely accommodate all modes of travel, focusing on improving connectivity and safety, particularly reducing injuries.

Nashua: While larger, it is actively developing multi-modal transit facilities to improve connectivity with downtown and Boston (e.g., the 25 Crown Street project).

MAINE

Gorham & Standish: Launched a microtransit pilot program to increase, affordable, on-demand transportation and improve mobility in smaller communities.

Sanford & Windham: Currently executing projects under the Village Partnership Initiative (VPI) with $22M federal funding.

Brunswick-Belfast: Participating in initiatives to improve and expand rural transit systems and develop multimodal infrastructure. 

UPSTATE NEW YORK:

Ithaca: Downtown initiative that provides personalized education and incentives to encourage employees and residents to use sustainable transportation (walking, biking, transit, carsharing). The carshare program was expanded with support from NYSERDA. 

The city has invested in bike-share programs and the Center for Community Transportation is developing EV micromobility hubs to improve last-mile connectivity. 

Saratoga/Albany/Troy/Glens Falls:  The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is highly regarded for its transit services and operates as a model for "best small city transit" (2017).  CDTA is planning electrified mobility hubs to combine bus service, bike-share, and on-demand services in locations like Saratoga Springs.

Kingston (Ulster County):  Clean Mobility Project is developing a city-wide, zero-emission transportation program that includes bike-shares, on-demand electric shuttles, and micromobility charging hubs. 

Poughkeepsie: Actively working on business models for e-micromobility solutions, including shared bikes and scooters.

Village of Sleepy Hollow: Working on a sustainable complete streets network and an on-demand electric shuttle service.

City of Rensselaer: Planning for an on-demand EV rideshare service to connect residents to services.

City of Newburgh & Beacon: Exploring a regional, cross-jurisdictional bike-share program.

Village of Monticello: Conducting a feasibility study for micromobility deployment to improve transportation access. 

MICHIGAN

Small towns and mid-sized municipalities in Michigan, particularly in the northern and western regions, have adopted Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs to manage traffic and enhance mobility for residents and tourists.

Traverse City/Northwest Region: TDM strategies are used to improve transportation for commuters, tourists, and special needs populations. This includes initiatives in Acme Township, Benzie County, and Kalkaska, as well as the use of the Port Town Trolley to reduce downtown congestion.

Marquette: Actively engaged in pilot TDM and mobility management programs aimed at improving transportation services.

Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti (Washtenaw Area): The "getDowntown" program, a partnership between TheRide, the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, and the city, has provided TDM services for over 25 years, focusing on commuters and employees.

Southwest Michigan: Several areas operate transit-focused TDM initiatives, including:

  • Dowagiac: Part of a designated small urban area that combines city infrastructure with specialized transit services (Dial-a-Ride).

  • Coloma/Watervliet: Focuses on regional connectivity, utilizing Berrien Bus and Van Buren Public Transit in conjunction with local, walkable infrastructure.

  • Buchanan: A designated small urban area focusing on integrating city streets with public transit and pedestrian accessibility.  Features a Dial-A-Ride service and connects with Niles Charter Township.

  • South Haven: Involves city and county-level transit.

  • Rural Transit Agencies: The "Advancing Rural Mobility" pilot, involving Benzie Bus, Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority, Charlevoix County Transit, and Roscommon County Transportation Authority, uses technology to improve transportation access and efficiency.

Charlotte: Implemented a city-wide, multi-modal project that includes new sidewalks and increased walkability, in partnership with local health and community organizations.

Wayland: Participates in the Main Street America program, often focusing on walkable, mixed-use development.

Berrien Springs: uses collaborative transit options (Berrien Bus) to connect village