Accommodating bicycle and pedestrian traffic in sub-urban areas Sri Lanka

The concept of sustainability has become a key idea in national and international discussion following the publication of Brundtland Commission Report. Sustainability in non-renewable resource management ultimately results in more energy saving options. However, it is less evident in a small scale and in energy saving terms. This paper attempts to highlight the importance of sustainable transportation for achieving the goal of promotion of energy saving cities. Objectives of the study are to identify a suitable road network to designate as bicycle and pedestrian priority roads and to identify modifications required to accommodate these non-motorized transport modes in promotion of sustainable transportation. A case study carried out in Rathmalana West area where roads were rehabilitated after a storm water drainage. Logical analysis to the collected information derived a suitable pedestrian/bicycle priority network that connects coastline to main arterial. The results rectified the provisions for increase public transport coverage and thereby concentrate on encouraging pedestrians and cyclists.