As a transit user, distance runner, and hiker, I’ve always appreciated good pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Unfortunately, I grew up in the heartland, where walking hazards included cattle guards and covered wagons and where bicycling was the exclusive domain of local eccentrics and small children. It wasn’t until I began exploring New England on my first road bike, using it for weekend escapes to the mountains and Cape Cod, that I realized the potential for a bicycle to allow me to travel sustainably within the region with a heightened connection to the landscape.
I see bicycling as a key to reducing the environmental impact of transportation because it provides many of the advantages, such as flexibility and independence, that many people cherish about their cars. Boston has made significant investments in its bicycle infrastructure in recent years, and returning to the City after being away for three years, I was astonished by the increase in bicyclists prowling its streets. Never had the impact of effective bicycle planning been clearer.
I’m excited to work at Alta and apply my training in planning, engineering, and geographic information systems to improve the experience of pedestrians and cyclists worldwide.
Lucas Woodward is a Planner in Alta’s Berkeley office. He brings a variety of analytical and communication skills, including Geographic Information Systems, Adobe Creative Suite, travel demand modeling, and traffic analysis. Lucas recently worked with the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and the University of California Transportation Center, gaining knowledge about the current and developing transportation infrastructure around the bay area.
Recent Projects
City of Emeryville Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update, Emeryville, CA
Alta is working with the City of Emeryville to improve bicycling and walking conditions throughout the city. Lucas performed field work to assess the condition of the city’s current bicycle infrastructure and led a community tour and workshop of Emeryville’s bicycle facilities.
*Market Street Transportation Improvement Pilots, San Francisco, CA
Lucas developed the evaluation framework for a suite of traffic calming improvements on San Francisco’s Market Street. He collected and analyzed baseline data to determine their effectiveness and compiled best practices for the evaluation of pilot programs.
*Bayview Neighborhood Transportation Plan, San Francisco, CA
Neighborhood transportation plans involve working with the community’s existing residents to identify relatively inexpensive transportation improvements that can be implemented quickly. Lucas analyzed travel patterns in the neighborhood and performed community outreach in stakeholder meetings and open houses.
*San Rafael Design Studio, San Rafael, CA
Lucas helped to develop a specific plan for the area surrounding downtown San Rafael’s forthcoming SMART station. Lucas analyzed the workforce of downtown San Rafael, conducting interviews and statistical analysis. He developed a street typology and identified urban design elements to make the public realm more sustainable and safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
