Roads IDS: An Introduction

This year my IDS was to re-design intersections (and places in general) in the Coquitlam area. Generally, these are already-congested intersections where I can easily see a better solution.

Before I post specific ideas, I figured I’d share the lens I’m redesigning these things through.

My Planning Philosophy

Generally, when I redesign an area, going for several objectives:

  • Promotion of walking, cycling, and transit as viable modes of transportation
    • Reducing dependence on cars
      • Minimizing square-footage dedicated to cars (road space, parking lots, driveways, etc.)
      • Reducing both speed limits (in some cases), and actual driven speeds
    • Making the walk and cycle more pleasant & safe
      • Aesthetic improvements (street trees, etc.)
      • Creating & emphasizing visible crosswalks, reducing crossing distance
  • Reducing the carbon footprint of the users and residents of the area
    • Reducing stopping & idle times at intersections (cars are most inefficient when they are decelerating to/accelerating from a stop)
    • Creation & maintenance of green spaces & parks
  • Place-making, making a neighborhood feel like a safe & unique place

As an added challenge for myself, I always try to design solutions that would require no additional right-of-way, although if necessary biting a chunk out of a parking lot would satisfy other objectives so I don’t mind too much.

I’ll be posting my ideas and drawings on this blog in the next few weeks, stay tuned!

Disclaimer: I am not a traffic engineer, an urban planner, or even remotely educated on this topic. I have no way of testing my theories (traffic simulation programs are expensive!), I’m just making guesses based on what’s worked elsewhere. I’m just a high schooler doing my project.

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