APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A new study finds public transit, walking, and biking options could help keep millennials in our state.
The Pew Research Center defines millennial’s as anyone between 23 and 38 years old.
What used to be part of an “American Dream” for some, no longer is for others.
“If I could live downtown and work downtown I definitely wouldn’t mind it, save some gas money and yeah easy to get around,” said Nick Hintz, a resident of Appleton.
Millenials say they’re attracted to communities where they don’t need a car to get where they want to go.
“It’s cheaper, for one, and it’s better,” said Mary Brown of Kaukauna, “I like to enjoy my scenery and that’s something that’s nice for me. I like to walk and get the exercise.”
The Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group Foundation surveyed more than 600 millennials across the state.
75% of those people say it was either “very important” or “somewhat important” to live in a place with non-driving transportation options after graduating college.
Of the more than 600 students surveyed, nearly 60% say non-driving alternatives are important because its better for the environment. 46% say it also helps avoid parking fees and difficulty.
The report argues Wisconsin needs to spend less on highway expansions and invest in other transportation infrastructures like walking and biking paths.
That’s what the City of Appleton says it’s doing.
“We’re looking at ways to increase pedestrian safety and make sidewalks more friendly to use,” explained Chad Doran, the city’s communication coordinator. “We’re also building that bicycle infrastructure throughout the city, not just downtown.”
While some still say not enough is being done, others are grateful for what already exists.
“There’s cabs, Ubers, buses, I like to ride the bus, me personally, it’s one of my favorite things to do,” said Brown.
Here’s a closer look at changing transportation trends.
More Americans of all ages are waiting longer to get a driver’s license.
A 2014 study from the University of Michigan found only 24% of 16-year-olds and 60% of 18-year-olds had a license.
Compare that to the early 1980s, when 46% of 16-year-olds and more than 80% of 18-year-olds had a license.
Also today, there are ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft that offer door-to-door pickup and drop off.
Millennials aren’t the only ones using ride-sharing.
A survey last year from a transportation group found “Baby Boomers”, those between 55 and 73, accounted for 35% of people using the services in 2017.
Demographic changes can also impact transportation.
According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, people 65 and older will account for more than 20% of the state’s population by 2025.
Researchers say without access to non-driving transportation, many seniors may not be able to live independently.
That means they risk becoming more home-bound, rather than involved in their communities.
