Description
Providing design guidelines for developers and planning staff to improve transit and active transportation access and mobility which promotes the use of non-single occupancy vehicle modes. Providing guidance and best practices for developers means the shift will be incremental as the region grows. However, the design guidelines can also be used in coordination with General Plans and Active Transportation Plans for obtaining grant funding to make roadway improvements at a corridor level.
Implementation Details
- Develop a regional Active Transportation and Transit Design Toolkit for developers and planning staff that outlines minimum infrastructure requirements for transit facilities, sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle facilities, bicycle parking, landscaping and storm water facilities.
- Include sample site plans showing how to incorporate Class II/IV bikeways, protected intersections, mid-block crossings, and multi-use trail linkages into housing and commercial developments.
- Align new development review procedures with Caltrans District 8 Active Transportation Design Guidelines and Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG’s) Complete Streets Toolkit to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.
- Require all Specific Plans and major developments (e.g., over 100 units or 10,000 sq ft commercial) to submit active transportation connectivity plans during entitlement phases.
- Offer technical assistance or pre-application review support to local planning departments, prioritizing infill projects in places where pedestrian network gaps are most severe.
Mitigation Potential
Design guidance supports the implementation of safe and effective infrastructure making sustainable modes of transportation more attractive. While this strategy cannot be quantified it can help expedite the process of land use changes at the local level by removing barriers to implementation.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Ensure design standards prioritize safe and accessible infrastructure in low-income and underserved areas. Require ADA-compliant curb ramps, crosswalks, and sidewalks in areas with high transit dependency and senior populations. Incorporate multilingual community engagement when shaping pedestrian improvements to address local needs and safety concerns.
Funding Sources
Requires staff time and resources to develop guidelines. Funding sources include the Safe Streets & Roads for All Program (U.S. Department of Transportation), and the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program – Sustainable Communities – Competitive and Technical (Caltrans).
Examples/Case Studies
Caltrans District 8 Active Transportation Design Guidelines
This guide outlines context-sensitive bikeway and sidewalk designs, complete with dimensional standards and safety treatments tailored for the Inland Empire and desert communities.
City of Irwindale Active Transportation Plan – Appendix K Design Guidelines
The guidelines aim to enhance connectivity, improve safety, and encourage healthy, active lifestyles in the City of Irwindale. Key design principles emphasize accessibility, comfort, and convenience for all users, integrating green infrastructure and sustainable design practices while being sensitive to the local context and community needs. The document outlines standards for various infrastructure elements, including sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks.