LESSON 7: USING LAND USE REGULATIONS TO ENCOURAGE NON-MOTORIZED TRAVEL (INSTRUCTOR'S NOTES)

LESSON 7: USING LAND USE REGULATIONS TO ENCOURAGE NON-MOTORIZED TRAVEL (INSTRUCTOR'S NOTES)

Objectives:

Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

Describe how land use regulations can be used to support non-motorized transportation.
Cite examples of land use planning practices that encourage non-motorized travel. Students will understand and can explain the key elements of neo-traditional neighborhood design.

Pre-Instruction:

Components

Activities

Motivation

Engage the class in a discussion of their findings relative to the assignment for this lesson. Ask them to report any conclusions they reached regarding (including, but not limited to):

Sidewalk regulations
Bikeways
Clustering of buildings
Building setbacks
Parking (both automobile and bicycle)
Provisions for transit

Objectives

Present and explain the two lesson goals listed above (V-7-1).

Information Presentation:

Components	Activities
Information Sequence	Outline the presentation of the lecture (V-7-2).
Information	Describe what elements of general zoning and subdivision regulation are key in designing for non-motorized transportation (V-7-3 and V-7-4). Explain how site plan review performs an oversight function regarding the design. Go over the site plan checklist that is provided in the Student's Guide. Describe what elements of zoning and subdivision regulation are key in designing for non-motorized transportation in commercial areas (V-7-5 and V-7-6). Go over the different aspects of a pedestrian/bicycle-oriented neighborhood (V-7-7 and V-7-8).
Example(s)	Acquire and make use of examples from the reference materials cited at the end of the Student's Guide to illustrate the various planning and zoning concepts that you discuss.

Student Participation:

Components	Activities
Practice	Have the students formulate changes to the local planning or zoning ordinance so that walking and biking are encouraged.
Feedback	Provide comment and feedback to the class as appropriate.

Follow-Up:

Components

Activities

Enrichment

Assign reading for Lesson 8.

Have the students check newspapers and magazines for stories about pedestrian or bicycling accidents. Ask them to bring copies of whatever they find to the next class.

Review

Lesson Objectives:

Describe how land use regulations can be used to support non-motorized transportation
Cite examples of land use planning practices that encourage non-motorized travel

Lesson Outline:

General elements of zoning and subdivision regulation
Site plan review as an oversight function
Zoning and subdivision regulation for commercial areas
Pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented neighborhoods

General Elements of Zoning and Subdivision Regulation:

Subdivision layout
Cul-de-sacs
Future extension of streets
Staged implementation
Internal circulation

General Elements of Zoning and Subdivision Regulation (continued):

Lot coverage
Front-access parking
Parking reduction
Design standard compliance

Zoning and Subdivision Regulation for Commercial Developments:

Setbacks
Orientation and facades
On-site circulation
Access between developments

Zoning and Subdivision Regulation for Commercial Developments (continued):

Lighting
Building street interface
Parking lots

Aspects of a Pedestrian and Bicycle-Oriented Neighborhood:

Connectivity
Alternative routes
Pedestrian/Bike scale
Narrow streets

Aspects of a Pedestrian and Bicycle-Oriented Neighborhood (continued):

Parallel parking
Mix of building sizes
Mix of building types
Public spaces

Lesson Summary:

Zoning and planning regulations can be effective tools in encouraging pedestrian and bicycle travel
Effective planning for pedestrians and bicyclists can be done in both residential and commercial areas
Planners and designers must remember to think with a pedestrian and bicycle orientation

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