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FHWA Highway Safety Programs

Lesson 7: Using Land-Use Regulations to Encourage Non-Motorized Travel

Objectives:

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Describe how land use regulations can be used to support non-motorized transportation.
  2. Cite examples of land use planning practices that encourage non-motorized travel. Students will understand and can explain the key elements of neo-traditional neighborhood design.

Pre-Instruction:

Components

Activities

Motivation

Engage the class in a discussion of their findings relative to the assignment for this lesson. Ask them to report any conclusions they reached regarding (including, but not limited to):

  • Sidewalk regulations
  • Bikeways
  • Clustering of buildings
  • Building setbacks
  • Parking (both automobile and bicycle)
  • Provisions for transit

Objectives

Present and explain the two lesson goals listed above (V-7-1).

Information Presentation:

Components

Activities

Information Sequence

Outline the presentation of the lecture (V-7-2).

Information

Describe what elements of general zoning and subdivision regulation are key in designing for non-motorized transportation (V-7-3 and V-7-4).

Explain how site plan review performs an oversight function regarding the design. Go over the site plan checklist that is provided in the Student's Guide.

Describe what elements of zoning and subdivision regulation are key in designing for non-motorized transportation in commercial areas (V-7-5 and V-7-6).

Go over the different aspects of a pedestrian/bicycle-oriented neighborhood (V-7-7 and V-7-8).

Example(s)

Acquire and make use of examples from the reference materials cited at the end of the Student's Guide to illustrate the various planning and zoning concepts that you discuss.

Student Participation:

Components

Activities

Practice

Have the students formulate changes to the local planning or zoning ordinance so that walking and biking are encouraged.

Feedback

Provide comment and feedback to the class as appropriate.

Follow-Up:

Components

Activities

Enrichment

Assign reading for Lesson 8.

Have the students check newspapers and magazines for stories about pedestrian or bicycling accidents. Ask them to bring copies of whatever they find to the next class.

Review

 

Lesson Objectives:

  • Describe how land use regulations can be used to support non-motorized transportation
  • Cite examples of land use planning practices that encourage non-motorized travel

Lesson Outline:

  • General elements of zoning and subdivision regulation
  • Site plan review as an oversight function
  • Zoning and subdivision regulation for commercial areas
  • Pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented neighborhoods

General Elements of Zoning and Subdivision Regulation:

  • Subdivision layout
  • Cul-de-sacs
  • Future extension of streets
  • Staged implementation
  • Internal circulation

General Elements of Zoning and Subdivision Regulation (continued):

  • Lot coverage
  • Front-access parking
  • Parking reduction
  • Design standard compliance

Zoning and Subdivision Regulation for Commercial Developments:

  • Setbacks
  • Orientation and facades
  • On-site circulation
  • Access between developments

Zoning and Subdivision Regulation for Commercial Developments (continued):

  • Lighting
  • Building street interface
  • Parking lots

Aspects of a Pedestrian and Bicycle-Oriented Neighborhood:

  • Connectivity
  • Alternative routes
  • Pedestrian/Bike scale
  • Narrow streets

Aspects of a Pedestrian and Bicycle-Oriented Neighborhood (continued):

  • Parallel parking
  • Mix of building sizes
  • Mix of building types
  • Public spaces

Lesson Summary:

  • Zoning and planning regulations can be effective tools in encouraging pedestrian and bicycle travel
  • Effective planning for pedestrians and bicyclists can be done in both residential and commercial areas
  • Planners and designers must remember to think with a pedestrian and bicycle orientation