A sustainable site layout should ensure ease of movement for
pedestrians and cyclists as a priority. The goal should be to distribute
traffic as evenly as possible throughout the development keeping
speeds to a minimum. The site layout should be design with the
following hierarchy in mind.
1) pedestrians:
- provide convenient routes, which are easy, safe and attractive
to use;
- provide clear signposting and lighting where appropriate;
- ensure that routes are accessible to disabled people,
particularly wheelchair users;
- ensure that there is good, direct permeability throughout the
site;
- link routes to facilities, public transport nodes, open spaces
and longer distance footpaths;
- design for slow traffic speeds to improve safety and reduce
noise;
- provide conveniently located pedestrian crossing points on busy
sections of road;
- avoid steep gradients;
- provide a pleasant microclimate through planting to provide
shelter and orientation towards the sun, although care should be
taken to ensure that routes are safe for all to use;
- provide wayside seating at appropriate locations;
2) cyclists:
- provide direct, safe and attractive routes that are segregated
from general traffic only where cyclists cannot safely be
accommodated within the carriageway;
- ensure that routes are as continuous as possible, avoiding
frequent stops or diversions;
- link routes within a developed campus to the wider cycle
network;
- measures to assist and ensure the safety of cyclists should be
provided at major junctions;
- provide a pleasant microclimate, particularly low wind speeds,
through landscape and site layout;
- provide prominent, secure cycle parking which should be close
to building entrances or inside buildings and should avoid the need
to carry cycles on steps;
- provide a high standard of secure long stay cycle parking
together with appropriate changing and shower facilities;
- joint pedestrian and cycle facilities may be considered only in
circumstances where separate facilities for cyclists within the
carriageway is not feasible, although pedestrian safety must not be
compromised.
3) public transport and service vehicles:
- adequate penetration for potential bus services and effective
access for service vehicles should be provided;
- layouts should be to the minimum possible geometric standard
commensurate with safe access for buses and service vehicles in
order to prevent excessive traffic speeds;
- passenger facilities, such as bus shelters and timetable
information, should be provided, where appropriate;
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