Edmonton (Alta.) - 1968 - Walkways in residential areas_guide to consultants

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T080/9290/1968 WALKWAYS IN RES DENTIAL AREAS. EDMONTON, PLANNING

WALKWAYS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS GUIDE TO CONSULTANTS City of Edmonton Planning Department

4300a .E3 E373

.3 0/&o WALKWAYS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS GUIDE TO COAULTANTS THE WALKWAY SYSTEM

objective

The purpose of this manual is to provide basic information on the design and function of walkways in residential areas.

the walkway

The walkway concept, as it is referred to in the following

concept

pages, is based on the principle of separating pedestrian and vehicular movement in residential areas.

The purpose of separating pedestrians and vehicles is to provide, on one hand, a safe and direct system of pedestrian circulation and, on the other hand, a vehicular circulation system which is unhindered by people randomly crossing the road, or by the possibility of pedestrianvehicle traffic accidents.

The walkways should allow a pedestrian to traverse the full length of the neighbourhood, crossing only minor streets at grade. The width of the walkways should allow for generous landscaping and the walkways should be integrated with public open space.

The walkway system will also affect communication between people and thereby serves a social and recreational purpose. Walkways should help to create a better residential environment, in the widest sense of the word, by providing an opportunity for recreation and relaxation for residents of all age groups. Tot-lots, small playrounds and sitting out areas should all form part of the walkway system.

The walkways should link all housing groups to elementary schools, junior and senior high schools, thereby providing a safe and pleasant route for children going to school.

The pedestrian system should provide the most direct access for people on foot to bus stops and key facilities, such as

the neighbourhood shopping centre, churches, parks, playgrounds and other social or recreational facilities.

The walkways system should be total in its extent, which means that it should connect the neighbourhood to the surrounding neighbourhoods and to major commercial, recreational or educational centres. The emphasis should be on a system of continuous major walkways which are directly connected to housing groups and individual dwellings.

The purpose of the various walkways should be clearly recognized and they should be differentiated in width and treatment, depending on importance, location, etc. in a manner similar to the treatment of streets.

the walkway

Depending upon the degree of vehicular-pedestrian

system

segregation required, the layout of single family residential areas and the house designs employed, one can define three different types of walkway systems: a) A Full Walkway System employing major and minor walkways and few if any sidewalks. Each residential structure is served by a walkway. (see diagram 1) b) A Spinal Walkway System consisting of primarily major walkways which are directly connected to access walks and sidewalks. Sidewalks form an integral part of the total pedestrian circulation system. (see diagram 2) c) A Partial Walkway System which is a combination of a full and a spinal walkway system. Sidewalks form part of the circulation system. (see diagram 3) Generally, the spinal walkway system should be preferred for Edmonton at this particular time ( economical and cultural situation ), since this type of system can best be integrated with public and private open space; reducing any ambiguities with respect to ownership and responsibility for maintenance, resulting in less duplication of service requirements, such as the lighting system, snow removal et cetera.

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However, it is believed that the full walkway system is the ultimate solution but requires a high degree of design and control to be successful but both full and partial walkway systems can be successful, provided that the residential area which they serve will be planned and developed comprehensively. In both cases, it is essential that house types be evolved which relate specifically to the walkway system and that the individual dwellings, and also garages, fences et cetera, will be sited and built according to a pre-conceived scheme. A full walkway system, in particular, requires a high degree of co-ordination and co-operation between developer, planning consultant, builder and certainly also the eventual owner of the single-family lot.

Since the walkway concept is experimental in nature and relatively new for Edmonton, it is absolutely necessary that the principles and objectives of the walkway concept are fully known and understood by all people involved in the planning, design and development of residential areas served by a walkway system. This certainly includes the eventual residents of the area.

definitions

Walkway System: a hierarchy of interconnecting walkways, in some cases also incorporating sidewalks.

Walkway Subdivision/ Community/ Neighbourhood: a residential subdivision/community/ neighbourhood in which there are separate rights-of-way for pedestrian circulation independent of the vehicular traffic network.

Walkway: a pedestrian right-of-way containing within the right-of-way a hard surfaced walk varying in width according to function. a walkway providing a direct pedestrian 14a1or connection between the main parts of the neighbourhood; leads to neighbourhood facilities and to major pedestrian routes outside the neighbourhood.

Minor Walkway: a walkway serving a group of residential structures, connecting access walks to major walkways.

Access Walk: the lowest order of walkway, providing access to individual dwellings or to entrances of multiple dwellings.

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Sidewalk: a hard surfaced walk within the street rightof-way.

layout of the

In laying out the walkway system the following points

walkway sytem

should be observed: 1. The circulation system should be so laid out as to minimize accidents to pedestrians. This can be accomplished by substantial separation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, especially of major walkways and major roads.

However, such separation is effective only if the walkways are laid out to provide more direct access to pedestrian destinations than do the streets.

2. Walkways should be laid out to channel pedestrian traffic and force street crossings insofar as possible at safe, regulated points. Underpasses or overpasses may be desirable at heavy pedestrian crossings of major roads.

The exact manner in which each of these crossings will be designed depends on the anticipated traffic volume at such an intersection and will be guided by such factors as topography, road cross-section, possibility of drainage, etc.

3. Walkways should be routed in such a way that they do not parallel the roadways, in order to discourage pedestrians from using the roads.

4. Walkways should follow the most obvious routes.

They should be as short as possible, providing direct access for pedestrians to residences, neighbourhood park, schools, shops, bus stops, major open spaces, and recreational facilities.

5. The detailed alignment of walkways will also be determined by existing trees, hedgerows, creeks and ponds. Lines of existing trees and hedges should wherever possible, coincide with pedestrian routes.

Natural features such as small lakes, streams, rock

outcrops, trees and shrubs should be preserved and incorporated into the final landscaping.

6. The usual pedestrian instinct is to take the shortest route, if at all possible. Consequently, the chief requirement for major walkways is that they follow a rational plan recognizing that most people in the course of their daily activities seek ways of avoiding extra steps and time. They will beat paths across lawns, skirt hills, and cut through parking lots, if the alignment changes abruptly and a short cut is clearly visible. Walkways will have little value if these habits of people are ignored. However, alignment changes, adjusted to the relatively low speed of the pedestrian, are necessary in order to give interest to the route.

7. If the residential area is served by a full or partial walkway system, the minor walkways should be laid out in such a way that they will be used primarily by residents whole dwellings are located along the minor walkway. Any major pedestrian through traffic should be discouraged.

8. Paved walks will also be used by children for roller skating and bicycling. These uses should not be overlooked in laying out the walkways.

The use of the bicycle extends the "convenient" distance, so that non-motorized access is attractive to many more people.

Bicycle routes are more akin to the pedestrian than to the powered vehicle. Sharing paths with pedestrians, however, leads to somewhat slower speeds. Therefore, physical separation (hedge) and marking of paths should be encouraged where this use is anticipated.

relationship with The layout of the roadway system and the walkway roadway system

system are directly related.

Generally, a continuous walkway will require the use of superblocks, which are relatively large pieces of developable land surrounded by a continuous street. As a result of its size, the surrounding street system is as indirect as is tolerable. The size of the block may be further increased by the use of cul-de-sacs or minor loops which penetrate inward without dividing the block.

The use of superblocks has the following advantages: 1. pedestrians can move substantial distances without crossing a street, 2. minimizes expensive street frontage per unit, 3. it tends to concentrate through traffic, keeping loads light on the minor streets, 4. interior parks can be provided.

Some examples of superblock planning are shown on diagram 4.

general

In addition to the Zoning Bylaw #3597, covering R-2 and R2-A zoning districts incorporating walkways, the following guidelines should be considered: 1. Lot owners should endeavor to follow the general concept pertaining to suggested house types, to achieve a harmonious development conforming to the overall concept for the residential area.

2. Dwellings on lots which are flanked by walkways, will have to be specifically designed and sited to minimize disturbance and annoyance to residents, by the public usage of the walkway.

3. Appropriate screening should be provided on the street side of the lot to present a neat and tidy appearance to the road. This may be achieved by a wall, fence or planted hedge. All garbage and waste materials shall be stored so that no garbage cans or waste material are visible.

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4. Lot owners are encouraged to use as little fencing as possible on the walkway frontage to retain an open space effect.

Screening and fencing on the lot should blend with the architectural design of the house.

5. Lot owners should landscape all areas of the lot to provide a finished appearance from both approaches.

6. Driveways should be grouped, wherever possible.

Stored boats, trailers, et cetera should be screened from the street side. On corner lots, vehicular access will be allowed from the minor street only.

7. If a garage or carport is not built at the first stage, then allowance must be made for its future development.

The location of detached garages should be predetermined by the developer in such manner that they will serve to provide privacy and maximum utilization of individual yards, at the same time generally contributing to the appearance of the residential development. (locating garages close to the service road, thus avoiding long driveways).

8. Windows of individual houses should be arranged in such a manner that proper natural lighting and maximum privacy is maintained. It is suggested that most advantageous views from the major windows into parks, playgrounds, etc., will be utilized if these comply with the two desires stated above.

9. The establishment of grades for individual residences on each lot should be predetermined and controlled by the developer, preferably through a consultant, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.

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VI SUMMARY

A.

Walkway Systems

1. Spinal Walkway

a) major walkways and direct connections to

System

sidewalks along local roads b) sidewalks form an integral part of the circulation system c) there is a choice in residential lots: only a portion of the lots is directly served by a walkway

2. Full Walkway

a) major and minor walkways, minimum number and

System

length of sidewalks b) all residential structures are served directly by a walkway c) problems in maintenance and ownership, system may be more expensive because of duplication of services (lilting, snow removal, etc.)

3. Partial Walkway

a) major walkways and also some minor walkways sidewalks are part of the walkway system b) fewer road crossings for walkways than in full walkway system

As has been stated (see "the walkway sytem"), the spinal walkway system should be preferred, unless the residential area is to be planned and developed comprehensively: single-family houses to be designated, sited and built according to a comprehensive plan.

B.

Environmental Concept

1. Park-like

a) maximum possible openness and spaciousness

Treatment

b) hardly any physical demarcations of public and private open space c) park-like setting for houses

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d) landscape treatment may have more rough and natural character suitable for all walkway systems e) limited privacy for residents particularly suited for spinal walkway system

2. Intimate Treatment

a) clear physical demarcations of public and private open space b) possibility of accommodating higher densities because of high degree of individual privacy c) house types to be specifically designed, sophisticated grouping and siting of houses required

3. Combination

a) houses along major walkways in park-like setting, minor walkways treated more intimately b) houses specifically designed for major and for minor walkways c) privacy where needed, by carefully grouping houses and by control and coordination of fencing. d) landscape treatment: taking maximum advantage of the topographical features of the residentia area

The choice of environmental treatment should be dictated by the physical characteristics of the residential area, the socio-economic characteristics of its residents, and by the degree of cooperation, coordination and control which can be expected.

C.

Physical Characteristics of Walkways major or spinal walkway 1. function

minor walkway (if applicable)

leads to neighbourhood facilities and bus stops, links the neighbourhoods

access walk

connects housing gives access groups to major to reswalkways, should idential only be used by structurei residents of abutting dwellings

major or spinal walkway

minor walkway (if applicable)

access walk

responsibility of the resident

2. alignment

as direct as possible but with ample variation to provide interest and discourage speeding on cycles.

300 feet is suggested as maximum length for an uninterrupted portion of footpath

3. right-of-way

40 - 120 feet (can be modified in some cases) depending upon the siting of the houses, topography, etc.

15 - 40 feet flanking parks, school sites walkways at least 20 feet wide

not applicable

4. width of

8 - 12 feet if more than one walk, then one walk at least 8 feet

6 - 8 feet

preferrably wider than 2 feet 6 inche;

5. length of

no restrictions should be continuous

as short as possible (max. 300-400 ft.)

preferrably not longer than 60 feet

6. gradient

vertical alignment of walks should be coordinated with the grading plan; gradient should not exceed 1:20; approaches to underpasses preferrably not steeper than 1:30.

Special approaches to buildings or plazas - gradient not steeper than 1:10.

7. surface of

surface should be smooth, non-skid paved, suitable for the use of bicycles, tricycles, etc.

the walkway

the walk

8. drainage of walks

9. landscape treatment

10. walkway lighting

11. ownership of

stepping stone; prefab element: can be considered

storm sewer may be required in some cases for underpasses see Chapter IV

generally surface drainage unless longer than 300 feet

surface drainage

according to a master plan, to be prepared by the City Parks and Recreation Department

no major landseeping other than provided by residents

responsibility of residents

all major and minor walkways will have to be lighted: lighting standards approximately 14 feet high, at intervals of 100 - 200 feet; to be installed by the City of Edmonton

responsibility of residents

City of Edmonton

not applicable

City of Edmonton

right-of-way

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major or spinal walkway

minor walkway (if applicable)

access walk

City of Edmonton

resident

City of Edmonton

resident

resident

resident

major arterials:

local roads:

not applicable

grade separated

crossing at grade; minimize number of crossings

12. responsibility City of Edmonton for construction of walk 13. responsibility for maintenance a) walk and fixture

City of Edmonton

City of Edmonton •) landscaping and snow removal 14. roadway crossings

minor arterials: grade separated or controlled at level crossing:

(approaching the road the walkway right-of-way has to be widened in order to house future grade separating structure) 15. utilities

gas and power_dines (lighting) in walkway right-of-way, if necessary water and sewers; aVoid location in walkway; only if absolutely necessary pipeline: rights-of-way should be integrated with walkway system, if possible

not applicable

16. access

access to the walkway system has to be provided for maintenance vehicles, police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, et cetera; access routes should be at least 20 feet wide; they can initially be left unpaved; maintenance: as for major walkways

not applicable

requirements

17. special features

some major walkways may be used as a bridle path and also as a bicycle path, depending on the width and alignment of the walkways and the location of the residential area.

Special provisions have to be made for at least psychological separation of any other non-pedestrian function from the walkway. Tot-lots and sitting out areas should form part of the walkway system, to be located strategically.

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