FHWA Course on Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation

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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:

1. Describe how land use regulations can be used to support non-motorized transportation.
2. 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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