2006-05-23_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

A Checklist for Creating Pedestrian-Friendly Communities In this guide we've explored a vision of what a community might look like when designed to accommodate all the various modes of transportation. . The following checklist details the key characteristics of pedestrian-friendly communities and what makes them walkable: v' Continuous Systems/Connectivity. Provide a complete system of interconnected streets, pedestrian walkways, and other pedestrian facilities to increase pedestrian travel. v' Shortened Trips and Convenient Access. Provide connections between popular origins and destinations, between dead- end streets or cul-de-sacs, or as shortcuts through open spaces. v' Linkages to a Variety of Land Uses/Regional Connectivity. Provide pedestrian circulation and access to shopping malls, transit, down town, schools, parks, offices, mixed-use developments, and other communities within the region. v' Coordination Between Jurisdictions. Put pedestrian facilities in place to meet current and future needs by ensuring close coordination between jurisdictions and other modes of transportation. v' Continuous Separation from Traffic. In pedestrian-oriented areas, minimize or eliminate street and driveway crossings. Provide buffers from motor vehicles. v' Pedestrian-Supportive Land-Use Patterns. Use a grid street layout with short blocks in business districts and downtowns to enhance pedestrian mobility. v' Well-Functioning Facilities. Ensure adequate width and sight distance, accessible grades, and alignment to avoid blind corners for all pedestrian facilities. Make sure common problems, such as poor drainage, are avoided. v' Designated Space. Delineate, sign, and mark pedestrian facilities, as appropriate. v' Security and Visibility. Design walkways to ensure a secure environment for pedestrians. Lighting, increased visibility, open sighl-lines, and access to police and emergency vehicles are important considerations. v' Automobiles are Not the Only Consideration. Design streets to accommodate all modes of transportation. v' Neighborhood Traffic Calming. Design narrow streets lined with trees, install roundabouts (small traffic circles) and curb bulbs; make use of other techniques to lower vehicle speeds and create safer, more pleasant conditions for pedestrians. v' Accessible and Appropriately Located Transit. Situate transit facilities adjacent to work, residential areas, shopping, and recreational facilities to encourage pedestrian trips. v' Lively Public Places. Provide secure, attractive, and active spaces as focal points for the community, where people can gather and interact (e.g., pedestrian. pocket parks and plazas). v' Pedestrian F-llmishings. Provide furnishings, such as benches, rest reems, drinking fountains, artwork, architectural fountains (especially for playl), and other similar elements to create more attractive and functional environments for pedestrians. v' Street Trees and Landscaping. Provide street trees to bring a human scale to the street environment. v' Proper Maintenance. Provide frequent cleanup and repair on a regular basis to ensure continued use of areas by pedestrians. 7