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Elements of Complete Streets
TRAFFIC CIRCLE Traffic circles are raised islands placed in unsignalized intersections around which traffic circulates. Approaching users yield to other users already in the intersection similar to roundabouts, only traffic circles are much smaller and do not have entry islands that often provide deflection. Traffic circles are appropriate at intersections in neighborhood context where traffic volumes and speeds are low. These circles are appropriate for both one-way and two-way streets in urban and suburban settings. Traffic circles are also being applied along bicycle facilities such as trails and shared use paths. Example locations would be at junctions of trails, bridges, or where high volumes of The Comprehensive Plan Mobility Section acknowledges the transportation landscape is changing rapidly because of the onset of technology such as connected or self-driving vehicles and smart infrastructure. These have been facilitated by the convergence of communication, computer, and vehicular technologies. Likewise, shared mobility enables the short-term use of transit, ride-hailing services, shared cars, bicycles and even scooters to get around. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) will impact communities on a variety of fronts – land use, transportation planning, social equity, and the economy. Autonomous technology is developing quickly but is still years from widespread adoption. At this juncture, communities have a unique opportunity to shape an autonomous future that puts people at the core of all decision-making. The autonomous future will enhance aspects of transportation systems, from improving safety for all road users, re-balancing the use of the right-of-way, and expanding mobility for all. turning traffic may warrant additional guidance. Preparing for Autonomous Vehicles The design and management of streets is one of the most powerful tools that communities can exercise to achieve safety goals, improve transit service, and reduce carbon emissions. AVs are being programmed to follow a complex set of traffic rules, abiding by the geometries that communities plan, engineer, and construct. This power over street geometry gives communities unique opportunities. To ensure safety in the autonomous age, communities should prioritize high-capacity transit and active transportation. There are various levels of vehicle automation currently in development starting with level one such as adaptive cruise functions to level five where vehicles are fully autonomous. The real impacts will be felt when most of the vehicle fleet is converted to AVs. These vehicles could have significant effects on roadway safety, reducing or even, in the most optimistic cases, eliminating roadway crashes and fatalities. It is critical that policies regarding AVs be used to continue support for Complete Streets and safety improvements. According to FHWA, due to the complex nature of AVs, market penetration is critical to experiencing the anticipated outcomes of the technology. At this point, only a 40% market penetration of level two AVs are anticipated by 2040. Full fleet automation could result in significant flexibility in the following areas of street design: Lane widths: AVs may allow for lane widths to be reduced to 8'-9' resulting in more non-vehicle space on streets.
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