20 Minute Neighborhoods

2015 Livability Solutions ForumEdem Gomez, TDM Planner, RVTD

9-23-2015

What is a 20 Minute Neighborhood

• "Imagine being able to do all of the necessary and enjoyable things that make life great within 20 minutes of your home. The magic of cities is that they have the potential to provide most things people need for inspired living—open spaces (planned and natural), grocery stores, workplaces, libraries, events, public and private schools—within a concentrated area. Less time spent in transit means more time for family and friends, leisure activities and other meaningful experiences.”

Principles of Place, 2006

• Where a majority of residents can walk, bicycle, or take transit to meet basic needs.

• Pre 1920’s + Pre Automobile.

• Re-emerge as answer to new challenges:– Climate Change– Health– Affordability– Livability

20 Minute Neighborhood: History

• Make trips without a car.

• Walk. Bike.

• Convenient Transit.

Transportation Options

• Distance

• Density

• Destinations

A 20 Minute Neighborhood is…

Ease of Access– Intersection Density– Sidewalks– Bike Lanes– Transit

Distance: Ease of Access

• Scale and connectivity.

• Sidewalks.• Grid Pattern.

Distance: Intersection Density + Sidewalks

• Convenient and Safe.

• Short-Medium length Trips.

• Bike to work. Bike to School. Bike for Shopping.

Distance: Bike Lanes

• High quality + convenient transit.

• Longer trips.• Intercity Connectivity.

Distance: Transit

• It’s not just about sidewalks, bike lanes and bus stops.

• Are there places to walk+bike+bus to?

It’s all about destinations

• Elementary schools.• Full service grocery.• Parks.• Transit Stops.• Employment.• Restaurants + Cafes .• Social Gathering Spots.

Destinations

• Population Density.• Employment Density. • Variety of housing types.• Mix of uses.

Density

• Reduced VMT=– Improved Air Quality.– Reduced GHG Emissions.

Environmental Benefits

• Affordable and equitable access.

• Improved Health.

• Reduced Auto Accidents.

• Less time in traffic!

Social Benefits

• Keep Dollars Local.– $164,808,000 on fuel.

• Housing Values.

• New Economy Workers.

• Attract Tourists.

Economic Benefits

• Lower speed limits.

• Accessible design + Building Scales.

• Low Crime Rates.

Other Influences

Portland.

Eugene.

20 Minute Neighborhoods in Practice

Distance:• What are options for sidewalk improvement and additional

connections so that accessibility is improved?

Destinations:• How do policies support high quality transit service?

Density:• How do we locate and design for increase density of residents in

appropriate locations to the minimum level of retail and public services to 20 minute neighborhood levels?

Questions to ask

20 Minute Transit Accessibility

• Put services where people live.

• Put people where services live.

Main Take-Aways