How would you know whether the land development project has any impact on the transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities? According to CEQA analysis, there are a few determinants to factor in when assessing the land development’s effect on these amenities.
But note that while they may have an impact, they aren’t limited only to these parameters. For a brief understanding, feel free to get a quick understanding of the factors from the given narration. So, with further delay, let’s keep reading on.
What are the parameters to factor in?
Would a land development result in modification or permanent (directly or indirectly) and lead to the degradation of bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities? If you are wondering more, let’s delve into the given narration. Although they might depend on these parameters, they aren’t in the confines of just a few mentioned below:
- Degradation or removal of the existing bikeways or(and) supporting facilities (take the example of bike share stations, on-street parking or bike racks, and bike corrals, to mention a few)
- Removal of existing transportation system components that support sustainable mobility
- Degradation or removal of the existing transit or(and local circulator facilities such as bench, stop, concrete pad, shelter, and bus lanes, amongst other facilities
- Improved street crossing distance for the pedestrians, or increase in the number of turning or travel lanes, and increase in the turning speeds and turning radius
- Narrowing, degradation, or removal of the existing path, sidewalk, pedestrian, or crossing access way
- Narrowing or removal of the existing sidewalk street buffering components such as parkway, curb extension, street trees, planting strip, and more
Any land development may intensify the use of existing bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities in case of these parameters. But note that they are not limited to the following factors:
- An increase in the vehicle volume or pedestrian
This can increase the attraction or need for crossing the street at6 unmarked pedestrian crossings. Or it might result in uncontrolled or unsignalized intersections where the crossing isn’t available without rerouting.
Get a reference for the LADOT MPP or Manual Policies & Procedures, and you will be able to determine the warrant criteria or approval for the additional crossing.
- A rising pedestrian demand
Resulting in rising pedestrian demand between the site exits or entries and significant destinations or transit stops as expected to serve development where pedestrian amenities are missing. Take the example of the sidewalk network gaps.
It might be evident in the case of substandard pedestrian amenities such as uneven or narrow sidewalks, no crosswalks at any intersections or no marked crosses, mid-blocked intersections, push button crossing, and more.
An increased transit demand at the bus stops, lacking marked crossing with sidewalks that aren’t sufficient or isolated, unlit, or areas that are unlit and not shaded.
Amass knowledge about traffic study reports before initiating the land development project. Partner with Armen Hovanessian Transportation Consulting to get an insight into everything about the project.
Know more about the VMT and how it impacts the assessment.