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The second point of the modified grid pattern is the simplicity of the collector street called Village Drive. Village Drive
should be straight, or nearly straight. It begins at the west boundary of a village and continues to the east boundary of
the village. Village Drive intersects with a Parkway at each end.
There are no private driveways accessing Village Drive, so dangerous cross traffic is limited to the intersections spaced
one block apart. There are eight residential streets to the north and eight residential streets to the south of Village Drive.
In addition, each village has one nonresidential north-south street near the center where shopping and amenities are located.
A village with low-density housing would only need a two-lane Village Drive, while a high-density area may need a three-lane
Village Drive. There is no need for traffic signals along the ten block long drive because the short north-south streets
will not generate much traffic.
PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLES
Village Drive should be well lit, well landscaped and designed to attract pedestrians and bicyclists. Sidewalks should
be provided on both sides for walkers. Separate bicycle lanes should be located in the street itself, just to the right of
automobile traffic in each direction to accommodate bicyclists. Bicycle lanes would promote the serious bicycle use among
mature riders. Riders who use a bicycle for commuting or shopping will want to take the fastest, most direct route between
their home and the amenities near the center of the village. Village Drive would be a more direct route than the recreational
Greenbelt Trails around the perimeter of the village.
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| Irvine, California |
MASS TRANSIT
The TEN BLOCK VILLAGE PLAN is conducive to public transit. A Park & Ride bus facility or a light rail station may
be constructed near the center of each village to provide service to the Central Business District.
Or a traditional bus service along Village Drive could pick up riders who had walked the short distance from their home
to the bus stop located near each intersection.
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