Designing for Nonmotorists

Photo from the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse
Mineral Wells to Weatherford Rail-Trail, Mineral Wells, TX.
Opening day and dedication of the Mineral Wells to Weatherford Rail Trail.
(Photo: Texas DOT).

Course Overview

Part 2: Highway and Street Facilities

• Complete Streets
• Road Diets
• Bicycle Facilities
• Pedestrian Facilities: Go to the Accessible Design course.
• Bridges

Complete Streets

What are complete streets?

• Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users.
• Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities may move safely along and across a complete street.
• Complete Streets Policy: Transportation agencies routinely design and operate the entire right of way to enable safe access for all users.

Complete Streets

• The primary goal of a transportation system is to safely and efficiently move people and goods.
• Walking and bicycling are efficient transportation modes for most short trips.
• Walking and bicycling provide transportation for children, elderly, people who cannot drive, and people who choose not to drive.
• 124* jurisdictions have adopted policies or have made a written commitment to do so.

Complete Streets

• Improve safety.
• Offer transportation choice.
• Promote "livable" communities.
• Allow transportation connectivity.
• Reduce short distance motor vehicle trips:
  • Save fuel;
  • Reduce emissions;
  • Free up highway capacity for long distance trips.
• Can reduce overall transportation cost.

Complete Streets

• We don't need new standards.
• The AASHTO Green Book already allows designs consistent with Complete Streets.
• Complete Streets are consistent with Context Sensitive Solutions.
• See Flexibility in Highway Design.
• Consider all the users.

Complete Streets: Connectivity

• More direct routes for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit.
• Shorter travel distances.
• Reduced vehicle miles of travel.
• Reduced traffic congestion on arterials and collectors.
• Greater emergency vehicle access; reduced response times.
• Easier maintenance.
• Improved utility connections; more efficient trash pick up.
• Virginia Secondary Street Acceptance Requirements: www.virginiadot.org/projects/ssar/default.asp

More Slides!

CONTINUE TO NEXT SECTION: Road Diets