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WCEL
> Issues > Urban Growth and
Development > Smart Bylaws Guide > Part
4 > Connect Destinations and Transportation Modes
Smart Bylaws Guide – Connect Destinations and Transportation Modes
A complete
street and multi-use path network creates the travel corridors
between destinations that fosters great neighbourhoods. A road
and path system based on an interconnected street grid network
provides multiple routes for walking, bicycling, and transit.
It shortens the distance between destination, making trips by bike
and on foot more attractive. Convenient and safe routes and
destinations that are close to residences and services pull people
out of their cars onto sidewalks and into transit. A street
grid network reduces traffic congestion because travelers can choose
different and more direct routes to destinations. Street grid
networks also create more intersections that can increase the safety
of pedestrians and drivers by slowing traffic and making drivers
more aware of street crossings and turning motorists.
An
interconnected street grid network is also used to connect
transportation types when transit, bicycle and pedestrian
infrastructure is built into conventional infrastructure – both at
major destinations, such as shopping and office areas, and along
safe travel corridors for the different modes.
Cul-de-sacs
have a very limited use in a connected street and path network as
they reduce transportation options and connections between
destinations. Cul-de-sacs should be limited to locations
adjacent to agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands where
future development is discouraged.
Characteristics of connected transportation networks include:
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An interconnected grid street system that provides many route
options;
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The choice of various convenient transportation modes to and
from a single destination;
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Transit-oriented
development around multi-modal transfer points where rapid
transit, bus, bicycle, pedestrian, and parking facilities
converge;
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Multi-use paths and networks for non-automobile forms of
transportation that promote active
transportation and connect neighbourhoods and destinations.
Examples of connecting destinations and transportation modes
For More Information
Transit-oriented
development
Compact
complete communities
Creating
Great Neighbourhoods: Density in Your Community (Local
Government Commission, Environmental Protection Agency &
National Association of Realtors 2003)
Transportation
and Community Design: The Effects of Land Use, Density and Street
Pattern on Travel Behaviour (Technical Bulletin No. 11, 2001,
Joanne Proft and Patrick Condon, James Taylor Chair in Landscapes
and Livable Environments)
12
Steps Toward Walkable Communities (Florida Department of
Transportation Safety Office, 1995)
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