The Secret is Micromobility
BY ADETUNJI IDRIS ADESINA
The Albany Riverfront Collaborative seeks to modernize Downtown Albany by redesigning a section of Interstate 787 into a multimodal at-grade boulevard that features walkable and micromobility paths. People in Albany will be able to walk and use micromobility vehicles to explore Downtown Albany and enjoy ease of access to the Hudson River. The multimodal at-grade boulevard design can breathe life into Downtown Albany by improving community cohesion, sparking economic growth, improving commuter safety, and preserving the environment, all of which are key principals of the Capital District Transportation Committee’s New Visions 2050 plan.
Micromobility is a key driver for transportation in dense, walkable cities. (Photo by Caroline Hjelm/Unsplash)
New York State has encouraged the use of micromobility in Albany by constructing the Mohawk Hudson Trail which travels alongside Interstate 787. The public has embraced the trail, however there isn’t a path linking the trail to the interior of Downtown Albany. Additional efforts to encourage the use of micromobility in Albany have been made by the Capital District Transportation Authority, noticeably through the CDPHP Cycle bike share program. The public has also embraced the bike share program, but Downtown Albany lacks the multimodal transportation infrastructure needed to entice a greater amount of people to ride bicycles. The ARC’s multimodal at-grade boulevard redesign of Interstate 787 will provide micromobility transportation infrastructure in Downtown Albany that connects the Mohawk Hudson Trail to Downtown Albany, and allows pedestrians and micromobility users to integrate into Downtown Albany’s transportation network.
The ARC’s multimodal transportation infrastructure includes green landscape and recreational areas which serve as a means of urban beautification aimed at attracting pedestrians and micromobility users into the once unappealing concrete scenery. Pedestrian and micromobility paths will be weaved through the recreational areas while making seamless connections to redesigned traffic calming multimodal streets. The traffic calming multimodal streets will lower vehicle speeds, feature dedicated pedestrian and micromobility paths, and roundabouts which will improve safety for all commuters. Once pedestrians and micromobility users have been integrated into Downtown Albany’s transportation network, Downtown Albany will become more vibrant and feel a greater sense of community cohesion. Also, shopping stores within the area will be easily accessed by pedestrian and micromobility users. This may encourage the development of more small businesses in the area and boost sales for existing business owner.
Governor Hochul opens the Albany Skyway in May. The Skyway is an important start in shifting Albany’s waterfront towards walkability and micromobility. (Photo by Mike Groll)
Across the United States the percent of people living in urban areas has been increasing over the years and the growth is projected to continue into 2050.. The newer generation of people want to live in urban areas that are walkable and micromobility friendly that make people feel as part of a community. People are also passionate about climate change, mental health awareness, and physical exercise, all of which can be catered to by micromobility. Moving forward, there will be new micromobility vehicles being developed for commuters and delivery services. The micromobility market valuation is projected to triple by the year 2030. The Albany Riverfront Collaborative’s multimodal redesign of Interstate 787 in Downtown Albany offers walkable and micromobility transportation infrastructure that can transform Albany into a modern city which attracts prospective residents and business owners. •
Adetunji Idris Adesina is a civil engineer who likes to design multimodal transportation infrastructures and conduct multimodal traffic simulation. He has designed several roundabouts and multimodal roads in NY. His vision is to make efficient use of land for transportation infrastructures that will connect cities, create safer streets, mitigate the climate crisis, and stimulate economic growth for local businesses.