Context Sensitive Design

Designing roads based on their context is essential for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing transportation systems. This approach often aligns with form-based codes, which focus on the physical characteristics and urban design of an area. Here are some strategies for designing roads in different contexts:

Urban Roads

• Prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety by incorporating sidewalks, bike lanes, and

Crosswalks. Use narrower lanes and slower speed limits to enhance safety for all road users.

• Implement traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, chicanes, and roundabouts to reduce vehicle speeds.

• Integrate street trees, street furniture, and public art to enhance the streetscape and create a sense of place.

• Consider on-street parking or dedicated drop-off zones to support businesses and residential areas.

• Ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, including curb ramps and tactile paving.

Suburban Roads

• Accommodate a mix of transportation modes, including cars, bikes, and pedestrians, but prioritize vehicle traffic flow.

• Create wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly zones, especially near commercial and recreational areas.

• Plan for well-marked crosswalks and pedestrian refuges at busy intersections.

• Maintain clear signage and street lighting for visibility, safety, and wayfinding.

• Include medians and landscaping for aesthetic appeal and to help control traffic speeds.

• Design for easy access to parking areas, and consider parking islands or street parking as appropriate.

Rural Roads

• Emphasize road safety, particularly for vehicles traveling at higher speeds.

• Implement clear signage and delineation to warn of hazards, curves, and intersections.

• Design roads to blend with the natural landscape, avoiding excessive cutting or filling.

• Minimize the impact on the environment and maintain drainage systems to prevent erosion. (Also see Minimize Negative Impacts)

• Consider wider shoulders for cyclists and pedestrians where needed.

• Allow for scenic pull-offs and rest areas to enhance the rural experience for travelers.

Transition Areas

• Where urban, suburban, and rural contexts intersect, consider transitional design elements.

• Gradually reduce road width and speed limits as the area transitions from urban to rural.

• Use varied streetscape elements to reflect the changing character of the landscape.

• Accommodate mixed land uses that respect the context, such as a mix of residential and commercial zones in suburban areas.

Community Engagement (Also see Community Engagement)

• Involve the local community in the road design process to ensure that it reflects their needs and values.Seek input through public meetings, surveys, and workshops.

• Explore the use of charrettes or design charrettes to facilitate collaborative design sessions with stakeholders.