Set of components used to fabricate enclosed and elevated roadways that are intended for use by bicycles, other small vehicles and pedestrians; and a process, utilizing said components, for planning and designing such a roadway

A master set of components where each member component of said master set is an assemblage specifically designed and assembled for use as a component of a modular roadway, where said modular roadway is for the exclusive use of humans engaging in activities selected from the group of activities which includes walking, running, skating, walking a pet, riding a bicycle, riding a vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds and resting from and preparing for such activities, said humans herein referred to as users, and

• where said master set comprises three subsets, herein referred to, respectively, as the first track subset, the second barrier-wall subset and the third structural support subset, and
• a) where any member selected from the first track subset, herein referred to as member-T, includes at least one substantially flat roadway surface, said roadway surfaces providing at least one predetermined functionality for the users, and a means for said member-T to be attached to selected members of said second barrier-wall subset, and when so attached, form an assemblage, herein referred to as an assemblage-A, and
• b) where any member selected from the second barrier-wall subset, includes a means to be attached to selected members of said first track subset, and includes at least one substantially vertical element suitable to guide users of the roadway surfaces in intended directions, when said member and said selected members of the first track subset are attached together in an assemblage-A, and
• c) where any member selected from the third structural support subset, includes at least one structural support element, which implements a predetermined structural support method, and a first means to connect said structural support elements to at least one stable platform in a predetermined disposition with respect to nearby points on the earth's surface, and a second means to connect said structural support elements to an assemblage-A, thereby supporting assemblage-A and implementing said structural support method, and
• wherein each of said three subsets includes a multitude of member components, and includes an inexhaustible supply of replicates of each unique combination of member physical properties, wherefrom a plurality of components can be selected, respectively, from each of said subsets, suitable to assemble a multitude of modular elements, where said modular elements will have a desired size and shape, provide desired functionalities, be disposed in a predetermined, substantially fixed disposition with respect to one another and to nearby points on the earth's surface and be suitable for use as elements of such a modular roadway;
• whereby, a constructor of a modular roadway, can select a plurality of suitable components from said master set of components and, using said components, assemble a multitude of modular elements, where said modular elements have desired shapes and sizes and provide desired functionalities, and whereby said modular elements can be substantially fixed in desired dispositions relative to the earth's surface, and whereby said modular elements can be connected together, respectively, each being fixed in a predetermined desirable disposition with respect to one another such that the roadway surfaces included in said modular elements are joined together in a contiguous manner, thereby constructing such a modular roadway.

A master set of components, according to claim 1, wherein any selected member of said first track subset further includes at least one roadway surface upon which users can travel in predetermined travel paths when said member is disposed in its intended disposition, said travel paths herein referred to as traffic lane configurations, and wherein said first track subset includes members, collectively, having a multitude of sizes and shapes and traffic lane configurations, and wherein said traffic lane configurations include:

• a) straight traffic lanes, suitable for users to travel in a substantially straight horizontal direction, and
• b) multiple traffic lanes, these having a plurality of traffic lanes, substantially side-by-side, suitable for a plurality of users to travel side-by-side or in opposing directions, and
• c) inclined traffic lanes, suitable for users to travel on an incline, these having an ascending or descending component direction relative to horizontal, and
• d) curved traffic lanes, suitable for users to travel in an arc having a predetermined radius and a predetermined arc length, and
• e) turn-off shaped traffic lanes, suitable for users travelling in one direction to choose an alternative direction for continued travel, and for users travelling in a substantially opposing direction to merge into a single direction for continued travel, and
• f) wye shaped traffic lanes, suitable for users travelling in one direction to choose between two or more alternative directions for continued travel, and for users travelling in other directions to merge into a single direction for continued travel, and
• g) intersections, these allowing two or more traffic lanes, disposed in different directions, to cross one another on the same horizontal plane, and
• h) width transitions, these providing a smooth transition between one multi-lane roadway surface and another roadway surface, where the two roadway surfaces have a different number of lanes travelling in substantially the same horizontal direction, and
• i) passing lanes and pull-off areas and rest areas, these including areas adjacent to the traffic lanes so as to provide users the option to temporarily move out of a traffic lane, to travel faster or slower or stop for a period of time, then return to a traffic lane.

A master set of components, according to claim 1, wherein said second barrier-wall subset includes members, each of which further include:

• a) at least one roof element, and
• b) at least one window element disposed between said substantially vertical element and said roof element, and joined together with said roof element and with said substantially vertical element so as to form an assemblage partially enclosing said roadway surface, and
• c) a means for structurally joining said roof elements, said window elements and said substantially vertical elements into a substantially rigid assemblage,
• whereby, said second barrier-wall subset further includes members providing a means for enclosing and partially protecting said roadway surface from the weather.

A master set of components, according to claim 1, wherein said third structural support subset includes members, collectively, having a multitude of sizes and shapes and functions, wherein said member functions include:

• a) trusses, columns, beams, arches, towers and cables,
• b) support bases,
• c) connectors and braces,
• d) support footers, and
• wherein selected members can be assembled into support configurations implementing a predetermined support method and supporting an assemblage-A at a predetermined elevation and disposition,
• wherein said support configurations include:
• a) one or more substantially horizontal trusses, each attached to two legs, one leg being disposed at each end of said horizontal trusses, with said legs being further attached to stable platforms, wherein said assemblage-A is partially supported by the support method of hanging from said horizontal trusses, and
• b) one or more substantially horizontal trusses, each attached to two legs, one leg being disposed at each end of said horizontal trusses, with said legs being further attached to stable platforms, wherein said assemblage-A is partially supported by the support method of resting on said horizontal trusses, and
• c) one or more suspension cables, each passing over two or more towers, said towers resting on stable platforms, and having each end of said cables attached to stable platforms, wherein said assemblage-A is partially supported by the support method of hanging from said suspension cables, and
• d) one or more elongated structural support elements, having a horizontal component and being rigidly attached to stable platforms, wherein said assemblage-A is partially supported by the support method of hanging from said support elements, and
• e) one or more elongated structural support elements, having a horizontal component and being rigidly attached to stable platforms, wherein said assemblage-A is partially supported by the support method of resting on said support elements, and
• f) one or more arch-shaped trusses, each attached to two legs, one leg being disposed at each end of said trusses, with said legs being further attached to stable platforms, wherein said assemblage-A is partially supported by the support method of hanging from said trusses, and
• g) one or more columns, one end of which is attached to a stable platform, wherein said assemblage-A is partially supported by resting on said columns.

A group of modular structures, said structures being for the exclusive use of humans engaging in activities selected from the group of activities which includes walking, running, skating, walking a pet, riding a bicycle, riding a vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds and resting from and preparing for such activities and functions carried out in conjunction with such activities, said humans herein referred to as users, wherein any modular structure selected from said group comprises:

• a) at least one substantially flat plane, said planes including a roadway surface, herein referred to as roadways-A, and
• b) at least one area, herein referred to as a function area, comprising a floor and one or more walls, where said function areas provide predetermined functionality for said users and are disposed so as to be accessible by said users, and
• c) at least one roof, covering said roadway surfaces and said function areas, and
• d) at least one elongated structural support element, and
• e) a means to connect said planes, said roadways-A, said function areas, said roofs and said structural support elements, respectively, together so as to form a substantially rigid assemblage, herein referred to as assemblage-B, and
• f) a means to attach said structural support elements to one or more stable platforms, thereby disposing said assemblage-B in a substantially fixed disposition with respect to a nearby point on the earth's surface, and
• g) a means to attach said assemblage-B to one or more external roadways, said external roadways being suitable and intended for use by said users, where said roadways-A and said external roadways are disposed in a contiguous manner such that said users can move freely between them,
• whereby, a constructor of a modular roadway, where said modular roadway is for the exclusive use of humans engaging in activities selected from the group of activities which includes walking, running, skating, walking a pet, riding a bicycle, riding a vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds and resting from and preparing for such activities, can select one or more modular structures from said group of modular structures, each of said selected structures providing predetermined functionalities for the users, and attach them, respectively, to other suitable modular roadway elements so as to incorporate said functionalities into said modular roadway.

An assemblage comprising a plurality of modular elements, where each of said modular elements is designed and suitable for use as a segment of a modular-roadway for the exclusive use of humans engaging in activities selected from the group of activities which includes walking, running, skating, walking a pet, riding a bicycle, riding a vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds and resting from and preparing for such activities, wherein any modular element selected from said assemblage, herein referred to as module-A, comprises:

• i. one or more track components, selected from the first set of track components, herein referred to as components-T, where said components-T include one or more roadway surfaces and provide one or more functionalities, and
• ii. one or more barrier-wall components, selected from the second set of barrier-wall components, suitable to be mated with and attached to said track components-T, herein referred to as components-W, and
• iii. one or more structural support components, selected from the third set of structural support components, herein referred to as components-S, where said components-S include one or more stable platform connection points, and one or more roadway-connection points, and
• iv. a first means, to attach components-S to stable platforms in predetermined dispositions relative to one another and said stable platforms, where said stable platforms are in a substantially fixed and predetermined disposition relative to a nearby predetermined point on the earth's surface, and
• v. a second means, to respectively attach said track components-T and said barrier-wall components-W together, each in a predetermined disposition relative to one another, forming a substantially rigid assemblage, herein referred to as assemblage-M, and
• vi. a third means, to attach said assemblage-M to said structural supports in a predetermined disposition relative to each other and relative to a horizontal plane, and
• vii. a fourth means, to attach said module-A, respectively, to the other modular-roadway elements included in said assemblage comprising a plurality of modular elements,
• whereby, said assemblage, comprising module-A and said other modular elements, will be held in a substantially fixed and predetermined disposition relative to predetermined points on the earth's surface, and said assemblage will provide functionalities by means of the intended travel direction paths of the included roadway surfaces, thereby creating a segment of a modular-roadway;
• where:
• a) the first set of track components comprises a multitude of members;
• wherein any member track component selected from said first set, herein referred to as component-T1, has a predetermined size and shape and provides one or more functionalities, and includes a means to be attached together with one or more members selected from the second set of barrier-wall components, herein referred to as components-W1, where said barrier-wall components-W1 have predetermined sizes and shapes suitable for such attachment, and
• where, said component-T1 comprises:
• a) a substantially flat roadway surface:
• a. having a predefined intended traffic direction at each point on said surface, and
• b. having a width direction at each point on said surface, this being perpendicular to the intended traffic direction, and
• c. having one or more predefined travel direction paths, these being a path traced by an object travelling across said roadway surface while moving in the intended travel direction at each point along said path, and
• d. having two or more predefined end-edges, these being edges of said surface intersected by an intended travel direction path, and
• e. having two or more predefined side-edges, these being edges that are not intersected by an intended travel direction path, and
• f. having a width value at each point along each travel direction path, this being the distance from a starting point on one side-edge to an ending point on the first encountered opposing side-edge, while travelling in the width direction and passing through said point, where said width value is sufficiently large to accommodate at least one lane of pedestrian, bicycle or other small vehicle traffic travelling on said traffic direction path, and
• where said intended travel direction paths define one or more functionalities provided by said roadway surface, and
• b) a first means for structurally stiffening and strengthening said roadway surface, and
• c) a second means for connecting each end-edge of said component-T1 to an end-edge of another selected suitable track component member of said first set, thereby creating an assemblage having a travel direction path length substantially equal to the sum of a travel direction path lengths of each component so connected, and
• d) a third means for connecting at least one side-edge of said component-T1 to a side-edge of another selected suitable track component member of said first set, thereby creating an assemblage having a width value substantially equal to the sum of a width values of each component so connected, and
• e) a fourth means for respectively connecting together said component-T1 and said components-W1, each in their intended dispositions with respect to one another and a horizontal plane, thereby forming a substantially rigid assemblage;
• and,
• wherein said first set of track components includes a sufficient quantity and variety of member sizes and shapes and provided functionalities, and includes an inexhaustible supply of replicates of each unique combination, such that there is at least one member that can be selected from said set that has a suitable size and shape and provided functionality for use in a modular element having a desired size and shape and provided functionalities;
• and,
• b) the second set of barrier-wall components is comprised of a multitude of members;
• wherein any member barrier-wall component selected from said second set, herein referred to as component-W2, has a predetermined size and shape and a means to be attached together with at least one member selected from the first set of track components, herein referred to as components-T2, where said track components-T2 have predetermined sizes and shapes suitable for such attachment, and where said components-T2 include at least one substantially flat roadway surface,
• where, said component-W2 includes:
• i. at least one elongated barrier element:
• i) having predefined lengthwise shapes, these being the paths an elongated edge of said barrier elements project on a horizontal plane when component-W2 and components-T2 are attached in the intended disposition relative to one another and to a horizontal plane, and
• ii) having predetermined barrier lengths, this being the distances between the endpoints of said lengthwise shapes, and
• iii) having predetermined barrier heights, these being measured in a vertical direction at each point along said lengthwise shapes, sufficient for directing traffic-flow along said roadway surfaces when component-W2 and components-T2 are attached together, respectively, in their intended dispositions, and
• ii. at least one elongated structural load-bearing element:
• i) having predefined lengthwise shapes, these being the paths an elongated edge of said load-bearing elements project on a horizontal plane when component-W2 and components-T2 are attached together in the intended dispositions relative to one another and to a horizontal plane, and
• ii) having predetermined lengths, these being the distances between the endpoints of said lengthwise shapes, which are substantially equal to said barrier lengths, and
• iii) having predetermined cross-sectional profiles, at each point along their lengths, suitable to provide adequate structural strength properties, and
• iii. a first means for structurally joining said elongated barrier elements and said elongated structural load-bearing elements together in predetermined dispositions relative to one another so as to form substantially rigid assemblages, and
• iv. a second means for connecting said component-W2 to said components-T2 in predetermined dispositions relative to one another, and
• v. a third means for connecting said component-W2 to other selected components of said second set of barrier-wall components in predetermined dispositions relative to one another, and
• vi. a fourth means for structurally joining said elongated barrier elements and said elongated structural load-bearing elements, respectively, into a substantially rigid assemblage,
• where said component-W2 has a predetermined cross-sectional profile and length and shape such that, when suitably mated with and attached to components-T2 in the intended dispositions, said component-W2 will be disposed so as to effectively direct traffic-flow on the roadway surfaces of components-T2, and
• where said component-W2, when suitably mated with and attached to components-T2 and any additional components selected from said second set as may be required to complete a desired configuration, said components connected together in their respective intended dispositions, will provide suitable structural strength properties to the assemblage comprised of said connected components such that said assemblage can span a predetermined distance and suitably support predetermined loadings while being supported only at its ends, and
• wherein said second set of barrier-wall components includes a sufficient quantity and sufficient variety of member sizes, shapes and cross-sectional profiles, and includes an inexhaustible supply of replicates of each unique configuration, such that there is at least one member that can be selected from said second set that is compatible with and suitable for attachment to any member selected from the first set of track components suitable for such attachment;
• c) the third set of structural support components is comprised of a multitude of members;
• wherein any member structural support component selected from said third set, herein referred to as component-S3,
• comprises:
• i. at least one structural load supporting element, where said structural load supporting elements are suitable for implementing at least one structural support method, and
• ii. at least one stable platform connection point, these being points on said load supporting elements where said load supporting elements are intended to be attached to one or more stable platforms in predetermined dispositions relative to said stable platforms, and
• iii. at least one roadway-connection point, these being points on said load supporting elements where said load supporting elements are intended to be attached to one or more assemblages, each of which includes at least one track component, herein referred to as assemblages-M3, in predetermined dispositions relative to one another, and
• iv. a means for said load supporting elements to be attached to said stable platforms, substantially at one or more of said stable platform connection points, in predetermined dispositions relative to a horizontal plane, and
• v. a means for said load supporting elements to be attached to said assemblages-M3, substantially at one or more of said roadway-connection points, respectively, in predetermined dispositions relative to each other and to a horizontal plane, thereby implementing at least one structural support method, and
• wherein said third set of structural support components includes a sufficient quantity and sufficient variety of member sizes, shapes and support methods, and includes an inexhaustible supply of replicates of each unique configuration, such that it contains at least one member structural support component suitable for being attached to a predetermined stable platform, where said stable platform is in a substantially fixed disposition relative to a nearby point on the earth's surface, and also suitable for being attached to a predetermined assemblage, including at least one roadway surface, in a predetermined disposition relative to one another and to a horizontal plane, thereby structurally supporting said assemblage and the included roadway surface in a substantially fixed disposition relative to the earth's surface;
• wherein, each of said three sets of components includes a sufficient quantity and sufficient variety of members such that one or more components can be selected from each of these three sets and assembled into modular elements, which include at least one roadway surface, and which have a suitable size and shape, and which provide desired functionalities on said roadway surfaces, and which will be held in a substantially fixed disposition relative to predetermined nearby points on the earth's surface, thereby creating a segment of a modular-roadway intended and suitable for the exclusive use of pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles weighing less than 500 pounds;
• whereby, a constructor of a modular roadway, can select a plurality of components from said sets of components suitable to assemble modular elements having a desired shape and size, providing desired functionalities and being substantially fixed in a desired disposition relative to the nearby terrain, and whereby said modular elements can be connected to other modular elements, respectively, each being fixed in a predetermined disposition such the roadway surfaces included in each modular section are joined together in a contiguous manner, thereby constructing a segment of a modular-roadway.

An assemblage comprising a plurality of modular elements, according to claim 9, where one or more of said barrier-wall components-W further includes:

• a) at least one roof element:
• i. disposed above said roadway surfaces when said components-W and components-T are attached together, respectively, in the intended disposition with respect to one another and said roadway surfaces, and to a horizontal plane, and
• ii. are disposed sufficiently high, relative to said roadway surfaces, so as to allow users of the roadway surfaces to move freely beneath them, and
• iii. are suitable to partially protect said roadway surfaces from rain and other forms of precipitation, and
• b) at least one window element:
• i. disposed between said elongated barrier element and said roof element, and
• ii. joined together with said roof element and with said elongated barrier element so as to form an assemblage partially enclosing said roadway surface, and
• c) a means for structurally joining said roof elements, said window elements, said elongated barrier elements and said elongated structural load-bearing elements into a substantially rigid assemblage,
• whereby, said barrier-wall components further provide a means for enclosing and partially protecting said roadway surface from the weather, and
• whereby, a constructor of a modular roadway, can select a plurality of components from said sets of components suitable to assemble modular elements having a desired shape and size, including a roadway surface protected from the weather, providing desired functionalities and being substantially fixed in a desired disposition relative to the nearby terrain, and whereby said modular elements can be connected to other modular elements, respectively, each being fixed in a predetermined disposition such the roadway surfaces included in each modular section are joined together in a contiguous manner, thereby constructing a segment of a modular-roadway.

A method to assist a designer of a modular roadway, said roadway to be designed for the exclusive use of humans engaging in an activity selected from the group of activities including walking, running, skating, riding a bicycle, riding a vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds and resting from or preparing for such activities, to select components from a set of available components, where said components are suitable for assembly into modular sections of said modular roadway, where each of said modular sections includes at least one roadway surface, and where each of said modular sections:

• a) is to have a desired shape and size, and
• b) is to provide desired functionalities, and
• c) is to be substantially fixed in a desired disposition relative to a predetermined terrain, and
• d) is to be connected together with at least one other of said modular sections, each, respectively, being fixed in a predetermined disposition with respect to one another, such that the roadway surfaces included in said modular sections are joined together in a contiguous manner,
• comprising the steps of:
• a. assembling Illustrations, physical property data and other useful information for each unique component contained in the master set of components according to claim 1,
• b. assembling Illustrations, physical property data and other useful information for of each unique modular structures according to claim 6,
• c. tabulating the required and the optional interconnectivity data and assemblage rules for each preferred combination of said components and said structures, and
• d. converting said illustrations, physical property data and other useful information into digitized files suitable for being accessed and viewed by means of a compatible computer software program, and
• e. converting said interconnectivity data and assemblage rules into digitized files suitable for being accessed and viewed by means of a suitable computer software program, and
• f. organizing, cataloging and inserting said digitized files into a indexed and searchable computer data base,
• g. presenting said illustrations, said physical property data, said other useful information, said interconnectivity data and said assemblage rules, by means of suitable computer software program, into a humanly readable document,
• whereby an indexed and searchable document is created suitable for providing designers of such a modular roadway with a method for finding, analyzing and selecting suitable components with which to configure modular sections of such a modular roadway.

A method to assist a designer of a modular roadway, according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

• a. presenting said illustrations, said physical property data, said other useful information, said interconnectivity data and said assemblage rules on a computer monitor, and
• b. providing a means to indicate desired components and desired modular structures, contained in said database, herein referred to as selected elements, and
• c. providing a computer software program suitable for recognizing said selected elements, for accumulating and tabulating all selected elements into a set of selected elements, for interpreting the interconnectivity data and assemblage rules for each element in the set of selected elements so as to determine the suitability and completeness of said selected set, and
• d. providing a means to edit, append and delete selected elements from said set of selected elements, and
• e. export said set of selected elements into a CAD software program,
• whereby a computer database is created that is compatible with one or more CAD software programs thereby providing planners and designers of enclosed and elevated roadways with a method for finding, analyzing and selecting suitable components with which to configure modular sections of an enclosed and elevated roadway and to combine said selected images into images of roadways and to display and plot said images of said roadways.

A process for planning and designing a modular roadway intended for the exclusive use of humans engaging in an activity selected from the group of activities including walking, running, skating, riding a bicycle, riding a vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds and resting from or preparing for such activities, comprising the steps of:

• a) assembling maps, demographic data, zoning information, regional planning information and other appropriate information regarding the geographical region within which the enclosed, elevated roadway network shall exist;
• and
• b) subdividing said geographical region into smaller regions or neighborhoods such that said smaller regions or neighborhoods will have somewhat homogeneous preferences and requirements as regards the enclosed, elevated roadway network;
• and
• c) selecting and schematically indicating on said maps the approximate paths for roadway segments so as to interconnect said neighborhoods based on each ones preferences and requirements and so as to provide contiguous roadways between said neighborhoods and expected travel destinations;
• and
• d) determining and schematically indicating on said maps the approximate locations of desired entrance and exit points for each segment of each roadway;
• and
• e) calculating and recording the desired traffic-flow capacity between each entrance and exit point along each segment of each roadway;
• and
• f) defining and recording the desired functionalities at each point along each segment of each roadway;
• and
• g) determining and schematically indicating on said maps the approximate locations of desired roadway intersections, turn-offs, wyes and other conditions or requirements that may affect traffic-flow or require special consideration at each such point along each roadway;
• wherein the disclosed improvement includes the following steps:
• h) while referring to said maps having said information schematically indicated thereon and said recorded information and while referring to the indexed and searchable document according to claim 13, and
• i) selecting and recording appropriate components suitable to configure modular sections of roadway that could be mated and connected together so as to form a roadway segment of the desired shape, length, traffic-flow capacity and functionalities at each point along each roadway segment;
• and
• j) establishing a set of design objectives and a definable and measurable basis for comparing and evaluating and rating the various recorded alternative configurations for each modular section of roadway, with respect to one another;
• and
• k) using said design objectives and basis for comparing and evaluating alternative recorded configurations for each modular section of roadway;
• evaluating alternative precise paths for each schematically indicated approximate path;
• and, evaluating alternative precise locations for each schematically indicated approximate location of entrances and exits;
• and, evaluating alternative precise locations of roadway intersections, turn-offs, wyes and other conditions for each schematically indicated approximate location;
• so as to determine a preferred configuration for each modular section of roadway for each of said requirements for each point along each segment of each roadway;
• Whereby a preferred configuration for each modular section of roadway, a preferred precise path for each segment of each roadway, a preferred precise location of entrances and exits for each segment of each roadway, a preferred precise location for each roadway intersection, turn-off, wye and other special condition for each point along each segment of each roadway will be determined and the planning, design and configuration of the enclosed, elevated roadway network for use by pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles weighing less than 500 pounds will be accomplished.

A method for reducing highway traffic congestion within a geographical region, to predetermined levels, at a cost not to exceed a predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost,

• a) where said traffic congestion reduction is achieved by converting at least a predetermined success-threshold percentage of current and perspective motor vehicle users on said highways during selected time periods, into users of alternative means of mobility,
• b) where said alternative means of mobility are selected from the group of alternative means which includes walking, running, riding a polycycle, skating and using a non-fossil fuel burning vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds,
• comprising the steps of:
• a) implementing a network of enclosed and elevated roadways serving said converted users within said region,
• b) ensuring said network roadways are separate from and do not substantially interfere with traffic on said highways,
• c) selecting a planning process, a roadway design and fabrication materials for said roadways such that the resulting implementation cost remains below the predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost level,
• d) selecting a roadway design and network roadway routing such that the resulting network enables and encourages current and perspective motor vehicle users to convert into users of alternative means of mobility within said network,
• said network roadways further comprising:
• e) a means for protecting users from inclement weather,
• f) a means for segregating users from the dangers and unpleasant environment found on said highways used by motor vehicles,
• g) a means for providing safety and security for users and their property, said means to include controlling access to and monitoring the activity within and nearby said roadways,
• h) a means for users, located at any point within said geographical region, to enter said network by travelling no more than a predetermined acceptable distance, therein to travel to a exit point within said network, said exit point being no more than a predetermined acceptable distance from a desired destination,
• whereby, a geographical region, desiring to reduce traffic congestion within said region by a predetermined amount while remaining within a predetermined economically and politically justifiable cost level, can implement a network of enclosed and elevated roadways;
• having a design such that implementation costs do not exceed said justifiable cost level;
• and being segregated from said congested highways;
• and having characteristics that enable and encourage a sufficiently large percentage of current and perspective motor vehicle drivers to use alternative modes of transportation within said network;
• thereby reducing traffic congestion in said region by said predetermined amount.

A method for reducing the consumption of fossil fuel within a predefined region, to predetermined levels, at a cost not to exceed a predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost,

• a) where said reduced consumption is achieved by converting at least a predetermined success-threshold percentage of current and perspective motor vehicle users on said highways during selected time periods, into users of alternative means of mobility,
• c) where said alternative means of mobility do not consume fossil fuel and are selected from the group of alternative means which includes walking, running, riding a polycycle, skating and using a non-fossil fuel burning vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds,
• comprising the steps of:
• a) implementing a network of enclosed and elevated roadways serving said converted users within said region,
• b) selecting a planning process, a roadway design and fabrication materials for said roadways such that the resulting implementation cost remains below the predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost level,
• c) selecting a roadway design and network roadway routing such that the resulting network enables and encourages current and perspective motor vehicle users to convert into users of alternative means of mobility within said network,
• said network roadways further comprising:
• a) a means for protecting users from inclement weather,
• b) a means for segregating users from the dangers and unpleasant environment found on said highways used by motor vehicles,
• c) a means for providing safety and security for users and their property, said means to include controlling access to and monitoring the activity within and nearby said roadways,
• d) a means for users, located at any point within said geographical region, to enter said network by travelling no more than a predetermined acceptable distance, therein to travel to a exit point within said network, said exit point being no more than a predetermined acceptable distance from a desired destination,
• whereby, a geographical region, desiring to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel within said region by a predetermined amount while remaining within a predetermined economically and politically justifiable cost level, can implement a network of enclosed and elevated roadways;
• having a design such that implementation costs do not exceed said justifiable cost level;
• and having characteristics that enable and encourage a sufficiently large percentage of current and perspective motor vehicle drivers to use alternative modes of transportation within said network;
• thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption in said region by said predetermined amount.

A method for reducing obesity, improving health and reducing healthcare costs for citizens of a predefined region, to predetermined levels, at a cost not to exceed a predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost,

• a) where said reduced obesity and improved health are achieved by converting at least a predetermined success-threshold percentage of current and perspective motor vehicle users into users of alternative means of mobility incorporating aerobic physical activity and by enabling and encouraging regular aerobic exercise for all citizens over ten years of age,
• b) where said reduced healthcare costs are achieved through well-known medical benefits of increased aerobic exercise, reduced obesity and reduced pedestrian and cyclist deaths and injuries caused by being struck by motor vehicles while riding, walking, running or skating on highways used by said motor vehicles,
• c) where said alternative means of mobility incorporating aerobic physical activity are selected from the group of alternative means which includes walking, running, riding a polycycle and skating,
• comprising the steps of:
• a) implementing a network of enclosed and elevated roadways serving said citizens within said region,
• b) selecting a planning process, a roadway design and fabrication materials for said roadways such that the resulting implementation cost remains below the predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost level,
• c) selecting a roadway design and network roadway routing such that the resulting network enables and encourages current and perspective motor vehicle users to convert into users of alternative means of mobility within said network and enables and encourages all citizens over ten years of age to utilize said network for aerobic exercise,
• said network roadways further comprising:
• a) a means for protecting users from inclement weather,
• b) a means for enabling and encouraging use evenings, weekends as well as daily commuting,
• c) a means for segregating users from the dangers and unpleasant environment found on said highways used by motor vehicles,
• d) a means for providing safety and security for users and their property, said means to include controlling access to and monitoring the activity within and nearby said roadways,
• e) a means for users, located at any point within said geographical region, to enter said network by travelling no more than a predetermined acceptable distance, therein to travel to a exit point within said network, said exit point being no more than a predetermined acceptable distance from a desired destination,
• f) a means for users, located at any point within said geographical region, to enter said network by travelling no more than a predetermined acceptable distance, therein to engage in aerobic exercise, then return to said entry point,
• whereby, a geographical region, desiring to reduce obesity, improve health and reduce healthcare costs for its citizens by predetermined amounts while remaining within a predetermined economically and politically justifiable cost level, can implement a network of enclosed and elevated roadways;
• having a design such that implementation costs do not exceed said justifiable cost level;
• and having characteristics that enable and encourage a sufficiently large percentage of current and perspective motor vehicle drivers to use alternative modes of transportation incorporating aerobic exercise within said network;
• and encourage a sufficiently large percentage of citizens to utilize said network for aerobic exercising purposes;
• thereby reducing obesity, improving health and reducing healthcare costs within said region by said predetermined amounts.

A method for reducing pedestrian and bicyclist deaths and injuries within predefined region at a cost not to exceed a predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost,

• a) where said reduction in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths is achieved by providing safe routes to school, safe roadways for bicyclists and safe walkways for citizens of said region,
• comprising the steps of:
• d) implementing a network of enclosed and elevated roadways serving said citizens within said region,
• e) selecting a planning process, a roadway design and fabrication materials for said roadways such that the resulting implementation cost remains below the predetermined economically and politically acceptable threshold cost level,
• f) selecting a roadway design and network roadway routing such that the resulting network provides roadways separated from highways used by motor vehicles,
• g) selecting a roadway design and network roadway routing such that the resulting network enables and encourages all citizens over ten years of age to utilize said network to go to and from school, to travel within said network while walking, running or riding a bicycle,
• said network roadways further comprising:
• g) a means for protecting users from inclement weather,
• h) a means for enabling and encouraging use evenings, weekends as well as daily commuting,
• i) a means for segregating users from the dangers and unpleasant environment found on said highways used by motor vehicles,
• j) a means for providing safety and security for users and their property, said means to include controlling access to and monitoring the activity within and nearby said roadways,
• k) a means for users, located at any point within said geographical region, to enter said network by travelling no more than a predetermined acceptable distance, therein to travel to a exit point within said network, said exit point being no more than a predetermined acceptable distance from a desired destination,
• l) a means for users, located at any point within said geographical region, to enter said network by travelling no more than a predetermined acceptable distance, therein to engage in recreational walking, running and cycling, then return to said entry point,
• whereby, a geographical region, desiring to reducing pedestrian and bicyclist deaths and injuries by predetermined amounts while remaining within a predetermined economically and politically justifiable cost level, can implement a network of enclosed and elevated roadways;
• having a design such that implementation costs do not exceed said justifiable cost level;
• and having characteristics that enable and encourage a sufficiently large percentage of citizens to utilize said network for walking, going to and from school and cycling;
• thereby removing said users from highways used by motor vehicles and reducing pedestrian and cyclist deaths and injuries due to being struck by motor vehicles.