CEQA Assessment – Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis for the project in the City of Anaheim

CEQA Assessment – Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that transportation impact analyses assess potential effects on various modes of travel, including active transportation and public transit. Active transportation refers to non-motorized travel modes such as walking and bicycling, while public transit includes bus and rail services. The evaluation of impacts on these modes is crucial for ensuring that transportation networks remain safe, efficient, and accessible for all users. The following criteria are used to determine the significance of project-related impacts on active transportation and public transit.

Significance Criteria for Active Transportation and Public Transit Impacts

A significant transportation impact occurs under CEQA if a project conflicts with adopted policies, plans, or programs that support public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian travel. Additionally, a project may have a significant impact if it degrades the performance or safety of these facilities. Therefore, the transportation impact analysis (TIA) should evaluate whether a project is inconsistent with existing or planned facilities and determine whether it has the potential to conflict with efforts to enhance non-motorized and transit travel.

The following criteria should be considered in determining the potential impact of a project on active transportation and public transit:

1. Consistency with Adopted Policies and Plans

   • The project should be evaluated for compliance with local and regional policies, general plans, and specific transportation-related plans.

   • Policies supporting multimodal transportation should be identified, including complete streets policies, pedestrian master plans, bicycle master plans, and transit-oriented development guidelines.

   • Projects should not result in modifications or removals of planned or existing pedestrian, bicycle, or transit infrastructure unless suitable replacements or mitigations are provided.

2. Effects on Existing and Planned Bicycle Facilities

   • The project should be assessed to determine if it obstructs or otherwise degrades existing or planned bicycle routes, including Class I (bike paths), Class II (bike lanes), Class III (bike routes), and Class IV (separated bikeways or cycle tracks).

   • Projects that create barriers for bicyclists, such as increased vehicle traffic without adequate bike lanes or unsafe intersections, should be mitigated.

   • If the project is located along a designated bicycle route, it should be designed to accommodate cyclists safely and maintain connectivity with the broader bicycle network.

3. Effects on Pedestrian Infrastructure and Connectivity

   • The project should be reviewed for potential conflicts with pedestrian facilities, including sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and trails.

   • Any reduction in pedestrian safety, such as longer crossing distances or increased exposure to vehicle traffic, should be mitigated through design measures like curb extensions, pedestrian refuge islands, and improved signal timing.

   • Projects that create new pedestrian barriers, such as wide driveways without pedestrian refuge areas or missing sidewalk links, should include measures to improve pedestrian accessibility and connectivity.

4. Effects on Public Transit Facilities and Operations

   • The project should be evaluated for its impact on transit service reliability, accessibility, and frequency.

   • Potential disruptions to transit operations, such as blocked bus stops, increased congestion near transit facilities, or loss of bus lanes, should be addressed through appropriate mitigation measures.

   • If the project is within a Transit Priority Area (TPA), it should support transit-oriented development principles, including reduced parking requirements, higher residential densities, and improved pedestrian access to transit stops.

   • Projects should incorporate transit-supportive infrastructure, such as enhanced bus shelters, real-time arrival information, and pedestrian improvements near transit stations.

5. Safety and Accessibility Considerations

   • The project should be analyzed for its impact on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.

   • Safety improvements, such as improved lighting, wayfinding signage, and traffic calming measures, should be considered to enhance non-motorized and transit access.

   • The project should ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing accessible routes, curb ramps, and adequate waiting areas at transit stops.

Methodology for Analyzing Active Transportation and Transit Impacts

To determine potential impacts on active transportation and transit facilities, the following methodology should be followed as part of the TIA:

1. Data Collection and Baseline Assessment

   • Identify existing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities in the project vicinity.

   • Document current transit service characteristics, including routes, frequencies, and stop locations.

   • Assess existing pedestrian and bicycle volumes and conditions.

2. Project Impact Analysis

   • Determine how the project affects non-motorized and transit travel, including changes in demand, access, and safety.

   • Evaluate whether the project results in increased conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

   • Analyze the potential displacement or degradation of transit infrastructure and service reliability.

3. Mitigation and Enhancement Strategies

   • Identify feasible measures to mitigate adverse impacts, including infrastructure improvements, safety enhancements, and policy adjustments.

   • Consider project modifications that support active transportation and transit, such as reducing parking requirements, incorporating mixed-use development, and enhancing pedestrian connectivity.

   • Develop monitoring and enforcement strategies to ensure that mitigation measures remain effective over time.

Mitigation Strategies for Active Transportation and Transit Impacts

To reduce potential impacts on non-motorized and transit travel, the following mitigation strategies should be considered:

• For Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure:

  • Ensure continuous and safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities through proper design, including separated bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and signalized crossings.

  • Implement traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, road diets, and pedestrian-only zones, to enhance safety.

  • Improve intersection designs with high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and advanced stop lines for cyclists.

• For Public Transit Enhancements:

  • Improve transit stop accessibility by providing shelters, seating, and ADA-compliant infrastructure.

  • Implement transit signal priority (TSP) and dedicated bus lanes to reduce delays and improve service efficiency.

  • Enhance first-mile/last-mile connectivity through bike-share programs, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and micro-mobility options such as e-scooters.

• For General Transportation Network Improvements:

  • Promote transit-oriented development (TOD) that supports compact, walkable, and mixed-use environments around transit hubs.

  • Encourage employer-based transportation demand management (TDM) programs that offer incentives for non-single-occupancy vehicle commuting, such as transit subsidies, bike parking, and carpool programs.

  • Adopt policies that prioritize active transportation and transit improvements in future land use planning and development approvals.

Evaluating and mitigating impacts on active transportation and public transit is essential for fostering a sustainable and equitable transportation system. Projects that support pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities contribute to improved mobility, reduced congestion, enhanced public health, and environmental benefits.

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