A Report on El Paso Resident Behaviors and Attitudes Toward Active Travel

Policy makers are placing an increased emphasis on reducing automobile dependency (and problems associated with it, like congestion and increased air pollution). To increase mobility options, we need strategies to develop multimodal transportation systems that offer alternatives to single-driver/single-vehicle dependence. The El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) engaged the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) to develop methodologies, data, analysis, and tools for integration into a regional multimodal transportation plan. TTI researchers developed a survey of the El Paso region to better understand residents' behaviors and motivators for choosing their favored modes of transportation, especially alternative modes. Specifically, TTI looked at the regional transportation infrastructure, as well as the travel patterns and preferences of El Paso residents. This report presents residents' assumptions, attitudes, and interests regarding their travel modes, particularly focusing on active travel like walking and biking. The study area included all of El Paso County, Texas, and parts of Dona Ana and Otero Counties, New Mexico.