Development along a corridor can be configured to reduce walking distances for customers and make streets more useful for pedestrians, transit users, and bicyclists. Successful site design balances automobile and pedestrian accessibility and creates a presence that is welcoming to all users. A key factor is the organization of buildings and parking relative to adjacent streets. Drawing the building to the street edge and moving parking to the rear frames the street - enhancing and enlivening - the pedestrian environment with storefronts and entrances along the sidewalk. Building entries should border main streets and public thoroughfares to foster a vibrant, walkable environment.
1. Built Environment
Development along a corridor can be
configured to reduce walking distances
for customers and make streets more
useful for pedestrians, transit users, and
bicyclists. Successful site design balances
automobile and pedestrian accessibility
and creates a presence that is welcoming
to all users. A key factor is the
organization of buildings and parking Mixed use buildings drawn to the street edge create a more Massing and facade design createvisual interest for pedestrians.
relative to adjacent streets. Drawing the pleasant and inviting pedestrian environment.
building to the street edge and moving
parking to the rear frames the street -
enhancing and enlivening - the pedestrian
environment with storefronts and entrances
along the sidewalk. Building entries should
border main streets and public
thoroughfares to foster a vibrant, walkable
environment.
Bicycle parking included as part of site design improves On street parking and attractive landscaping buffer pedestrians
accessibility. from traffic.
Parking is located behind the building along this arterial. Example of a service drive connecting adjacent parcels and
sharing a rear located surface lot.
2. Complete Streets
A complete street is safe, comfortable and
convenient for travel by automobile, foot,
bicycle, and transit, regardless of age and
ability. People who live in communities with
complete streets reap the benefits
associated with bicycling and walking, such
as increased physical activity, broader
travel choices and improved safety.
Motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit are accomodated on Sometimes bike lanes and on-street parking can be installed as
this complete street. part of a “road-diet,” in which a 4 lane road is converted to two.
On-street parking provides convenient front door parking
Safety strips help to narrow a roadway while still providing
opportunities along urban roadways, contributes to the street
space for emergency vehicles to manuver.
environment, and creates a protective buffer between
pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
3. Intersections + Crossings
Ensuring that motorists, pedestrians, and
bicyclists can cross streets safely and
conveniently to access destinations is
essential to creating an effective
multimodal transportation network.
Brick crossings are more appropriate in commercial areas
or locations with high pedestrian volumes. Crosswalks are needed to provide higher visibility to pedestrians.
Modern roundabouts can be used as an alternative to signalized Medians can serve as a landing place for pedestrians who cross a
intersections. street midblock or at an intersection location.
Countdown pedestrian signals
facilitate pedestrian movement
at intersections with heavy
traffic volumes or signalized
mid-block crossings.
4. Bicycle + Pedestrian Facilities
Encouraging cycling and walking is
critical to creating a healthy, multimodal
corridor. Whether in an urban or
suburban area, biking and walking is
best accommodated by a connected
network of facilities, complementary
land uses, attractive streetscaping,
regular controlled crossings, and lower
speeds of passing traffic.
Example of bike lane. Crosswalks should be present on all legs at signalized intersections.
Shared use paths lie outside the roadway and are shared Shared use path in suburban commercial area.
by many non-motorist modes.
Example of pushbutton-integrated accessible pedestrian signal.
5. Transit Services + Facilities
Comfortable and accessible transit
facilities are an important component of
a multimodal roadway. Transit stops
that are accessible to pedestrians with
direct sidewalk connections and
surrounded by a good mix of land uses
help expedite travel. Providing a
shelter, bench, trash receptacle, as well
as bicycle parking, lighting, and transit
system information creates a more
comfortable environment for the user. Sidewalk provides direct connection to transit shelter. Transit stop is surrounded by a mix of uses.
Real-time information lets passengers know how long they Shelter, bench, trash can, signage, and bicycle rack provides
might have to wait. comfortable waiting area.