While primary use for bicycling and walking modes in the past has been recreation, transportation officials are increasingly recognizing bicyclists and pedestrians as primary transportation modes for everyday activities. Since the early 1970s, bicycling and walking for commuting and travel purposes has been increasing and with recent pushes in combating climate change and promoting energy efficiency, cost effectiveness and health benefits, both of these modes are maintaining, and growing, their foothold as recognized daily transportation modes.
 
Over the last five years, Massachusetts has made significant efforts to improve the visibility and inclusion of pedestrian and bicycling planning and infrastructure in transportation improvement projects.  In 2006, the Massachusetts Highway Department (now a part of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)) developed its Project Development and Design Guidebook.  This Guidebook replaced the previous Highway Design Manual and placed a greater emphasis on context-sensitive design for Massachusetts roadways and identified pedestrians and bicyclists as equal users of roadways as vehicles.  Similarly, the Executive Office of Transportation (also now part of MassDOT) released the updated Massachusetts Bicycle Transportation Plan in October 2008 which provided a newly prioritized statewide vision for on- and off-road bicycling improvements.

MassDOT is currently in the process of developing an updated Massachusetts Pedestrian Transportation Plan to coincide with the Massachusetts Bicycle Transportation Plan. Momentum for improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure has increased both statewide and regionally. Further, Massachusetts Healthy Compact, which was a key requirement of the transportation reform legislation, is designed to facilitate transportation decisions that balance the needs of all transportation users, expand mobility, improve public health and support a cleaner environment through a coordinated public sector, private sector and advocacy groups.

Since this legislation passed, CMRPC has been working with the public health community to advance bicycle and pedestrian needs in the region into everyday activities. Completing its Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan in 2011, this plan outlines existing policies, facilities and proposes an action plan to implement future accommodations to the region’s roadways and trail network.