Main Streets: Flexibility in Design and Operations

Author(s):

California Department of Transportation

Organization:

California Department of Transportation

Publisher/Date:

California Department of Transportation, 2002

Rating:

Useful

Abstract:

MAIN STREETS: Flexibility in Design and Operations is a short, focused presentation of the elements of the pedestrian realm for the main streets of towns and neighborhoods. It is meant to be a complement to other standards, and in that respect, it presents guidance that may at some times conflict with the other standards. For instance, it reccommends making the lane widths narrower than ASSHTO, and encourges the use of raised medians as pedestrian refuges. It is one of the few guides that advises against using brick pavers for crosswalks. Another unusual aspect is its promotion of beauty and art, with criteria as to where and how it should be installed.

The guides do not address access per se, but do incorporate an inclusive design perspective. For instance, in discussing the location of parking, it mentions that children, small persons, and persons in wheel chairs might not be seen over parked cars.

It is a practical resource for planners, town planners and Main Street merchants.

Number of Pages:

21

Link:

Main Streets: Flexibility in Design and Operations (PDF) (http://co.lake.ca.us/countygovernment/redevelopment/mainstreetsdesign.pdf)

Table of Contents?

Yes

Index?

No

Illustrations?

Yes (Many Photographs)

Material Type:

Journal Article, CD

Key Document?

No

Categories:

Standards, Guidelines, Policy, Planners

Keywords:

Pedestrian Design, California - State

Strengths:

Criteria backed up with rationale.

Weaknesses:

Format is difficult to read and there is no index.

Record Last Updated:

July 2006