External link: http://trrjournalonline.trb.org/doi/10.3141/2307-07

Publication date: December 1, 2012

Capsule summary: The paper provides an overview of low- speed vehicles (LSVs) and the effective integration of a roadway system for LSVs in urban areas.

Author(s): Jannat, Mafruhatul; Hunter-Zaworski, Katharine

Publisher(s): TRB

Definition: Exploring methods of public involvement in transportation planning processes
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/public-involvement/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Kw
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Kw

No items found

Definition: A large urban area
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/city/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhs
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhs

Definition: Article from an academic or professional journal
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/article/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: n/a
TRT Search Results Page: n/a

Description: LSVs usually travel at 25 mph, and are becoming more popular in city areas because they are an energy efficient alternative method of transport. This report uses LSVs, policies regarding LSVs, and data from Corvallis, OR as a case study for further analysis and development of LSV road networks. The paper includes surveys results from residents on their perspectives of such a new road network.

Objectives: LSVs don’t have a safe place to drive currently because they are not held to the same standards as other vehicles on the road. But because they are such a good long term alternative method for travel (for energy efficiency goals), it is important to develop ways for LSVs to be integrated in the community and support the larger goal of sustainable transportation.

Findings: It is not very safe to have LSVs drive on roads in cities. But there is also not a lot of room in the already crowded cities to develop a new system just for LSVs, leaving developers to create systems alongside the already existing infrastructure. But the model LSV roadway system does not interrupt bikeway or automobile traffic so the paper found that LSV roadway integration may be a positive addition to reach the goal of environmental sustainability.

Recommendations: The paper recommends that states make the driving speed limits the same as that of the LSVs (most often 25 mph) for the safety of LSV drivers. The paper also recommends that in future models and development projects, to take more surveys and get feedback from people that drive LSVs as well as people that use other forms of transit about how they think best way to integrate LSV road network is in their community. Because LSVs are fairly newer form of technology, it is important for agencies and governments to aid in spreading the word about the new integrated roadway systems and its benefits. The paper suggests that there be a before and after study to analyze the impact of LSVs and the new roadway, and encourages local governments to work with LSV operators and community members who will be affected by the new road network to figure out how to make the change as smooth as possible.

Research Theme: Public Involvement

Community Type: City, Medium City, Small City

Transportation Mode:

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: City

Planning Subject: Analysis, Evaluation and Assessment, Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Highway Planning, Network Analysis, Planning Methods, Transportation Planning