CEQA Assessment - Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis
The CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) guidelines include an important focus on analyzing the impacts of development projects on public transit and active transportation (walking and cycling). This analysis ensures that new projects do not negatively affect or conflict with existing or planned facilities for these travel modes. In particular, a project is considered to have a significant impact if it contradicts adopted policies, plans, or programs related to public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian infrastructure, or if it reduces the performance, accessibility, or safety of such facilities.
The primary objective of the transportation study (TS) is to evaluate the extent to which a proposed project aligns with existing plans and policies for active transportation and public transit. If a project is found to potentially interfere with these systems, a detailed assessment must be conducted to determine how the project might influence the overall functionality or safety of public transit, pedestrian, and cycling facilities. The following sections outline how a TS for active transportation and public transit should be structured and conducted.
Evaluation Criteria for Active Transportation and Public Transit Impacts
To assess the potential impacts of a project on active transportation and public transit, certain criteria need to be applied:
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Conflict with adopted plans or policies: A significant impact is identified if the project goes against existing policies, plans, or programs designed to promote or enhance public transit, bicycle use, or pedestrian activity.
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Performance and safety considerations: The TS must determine whether the project will diminish the performance, efficiency, or safety of public transit and active transportation networks. For instance, if a new development leads to overcrowded transit systems or creates hazardous conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, this may constitute a significant impact.
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Consistency with proposed improvements: The analysis should also consider whether the project fits within the framework of future improvements to public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian infrastructure. If it disrupts these plans, it could hinder long-term transportation goals.
Structure of the Transportation Study
A Transportation Study (TS) for projects submitted to the City must contain specific elements to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of active transportation and public transit. The following sections outline these elements in detail.
1. Executive Summary
The executive summary serves as an overview of the key findings of the TS. It should briefly outline the project’s characteristics, including its location, size, and intended land use. The summary should highlight the potential VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) impacts and active transportation/public transit issues identified during the analysis. It should also provide a quick reference to proposed mitigation measures that address any identified deficiencies in the transportation system, including issues related to public transit, bicycle facilities, or pedestrian pathways.
2. Introduction
The introduction offers a more detailed explanation of the study’s purpose, scope, and methodology. It should describe the project site and its surrounding area, including current and proposed roadways, transit lines, and active transportation facilities. Exhibits such as regional maps and site layout diagrams are essential for providing context and visual representation of the area being studied.
This section also outlines the boundaries of the study area as determined by the City. The study area typically encompasses all intersections, roads, and transportation facilities that are likely to be affected by the project.
3. Project Description and Location
This section should build upon the introduction by giving a detailed description of the project itself. It must cover specific development details such as gross square footage, number of residential units or commercial spaces, parking facilities, and circulation plans. Additionally, the project’s proximity to public transit hubs, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways should be clearly identified. Including site plans and other exhibits is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of how the project will integrate with the existing transportation network.
4. Methodology and Thresholds
In this section, the TS should explain the methodologies used to evaluate the project’s transportation impacts, including the approaches for analyzing LOS (Level of Service) and VMT. The criteria for screening projects from VMT analysis must be identified if applicable. The impact thresholds for VMT analysis, as set by the City, must also be clearly stated. This helps establish whether the project is in compliance with local transportation standards.
5. Level of Service (LOS) Analysis
The LOS analysis examines the project’s impact on vehicular traffic within the study area. This includes forecasting traffic generation, distribution, and assignment, as well as identifying potential improvements to roadways and intersections. The LOS analysis should provide data on the expected performance of intersections and roadways after the project is completed, and whether any deficiencies in traffic flow need to be addressed through mitigation.
6. On-Site Parking, Access, and Circulation Analysis
This section analyzes how the project manages parking, internal circulation, and access to and from the site. A comprehensive on-site parking analysis is critical for ensuring that the project does not overburden local streets or negatively affect public transportation by requiring additional road space for parked vehicles. Additionally, the access and circulation analysis should evaluate how vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists will move within and around the project site, and whether sufficient facilities are in place to support multimodal transportation.
7. Active Transportation and Public Transit Analysis
The active transportation and public transit analysis specifically addresses the project’s effects on pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities. It must assess the existing conditions for active transportation and public transit in the study area and determine whether the project will support or hinder these modes of transportation. The analysis should evaluate the project's connectivity to existing pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and transit stops, as well as whether the project enhances or degrades safety for users of these facilities.
In addition to analyzing existing conditions, the study should assess how the project aligns with future plans for public transit and active transportation improvements. Any conflicts between the project and proposed infrastructure developments should be noted, and solutions should be provided to resolve potential issues.
8. Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis
This section presents the project's impact on VMT. The analysis must compare the project's VMT per service population under various scenarios (e.g., baseline, baseline plus project, and cumulative conditions). The project’s effect on VMT for the surrounding area must also be assessed. The results should be presented in tabular format to make the findings easier to interpret. If the project qualifies for VMT screening, this should be documented, along with any required mitigation measures to address VMT impacts.
9. Appendix
The appendix provides supporting data and documentation for the main report. This might include traffic counts, VMT calculations, LOS analysis sheets, sketches of proposed roadway improvements, and accident diagrams for high-incident locations. If necessary, the appendix may be supplied as a separate document to avoid overloading the main report. The appendix ensures that all calculations and analyses are transparent and available for review by the City.
Mitigating Impacts to Active Transportation and Public Transit
If the TS identifies significant impacts on public transit, pedestrian facilities, or bicycle infrastructure, mitigation measures must be proposed. These measures may include:
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Improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure: New sidewalks, bike lanes, or crossings can be added to enhance safety and accessibility.
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Upgrading public transit stops or access: Enhancing bus or rail stops, providing better access to these facilities, or improving service frequency can reduce the negative impact on public transit.
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Promoting transportation demand management (TDM) strategies: Encouraging alternative travel modes, such as cycling, walking, carpooling, or transit use, can help mitigate the transportation impacts of a project.
Conclusion
Assessing active transportation and public transit impacts is a critical aspect of the CEQA transportation analysis process. Ensuring that new developments align with existing policies, plans, and infrastructure for walking, cycling, and public transit helps promote sustainable, efficient, and safe transportation networks. A well-structured Transportation Study must evaluate the project’s potential effects on these travel modes and propose appropriate mitigation strategies where necessary. By doing so, the City of Diamond Bar can promote balanced growth that supports public transit, encourages active transportation, and reduces the reliance on private vehicles.