Create A Liveable Neighbourhood in Madinah

Applying the Avoid • Shift • Improve Model to Create a Livable Neighborhood

The Challenge: A Systemic Breakdown

🕸️

Flawed Network Design

Funneling all traffic to a single, overburdened exit.

🏫

Concentrated Demand

A massive, synchronized peak-hour surge from schools.

🚗

Corridor Friction

On-street commercial activity reducing road capacity.

AVOID

Reduce the need for unnecessary car trips in the first place.

Primary Recommendations

  • 🕒
    Staggered School Dismissal Times: A high-impact, zero-cost policy to flatten the peak demand curve.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
    Promote School Carpooling: Formalize ride-sharing with incentives like preferential pick-up spots.

Alternative & Expanded Options

  • 📝
    Mandate Mobility Plans: Require large institutions to create traffic reduction plans.
  • 📱
    Neighborhood Ride-Share App: Subsidize a location-specific app for easier school run coordination.
  • 🏪
    Introduce Local Amenities: Amend zoning to allow for walkable convenience shops.

SHIFT

Encourage the use of more efficient and sustainable modes of transport.

Primary Recommendations

  • 🚶‍♀️
    "Safe Routes to School" Program: Create dedicated walking/cycling paths and "walking school buses."
  • ⛔
    Implement "School Streets": Pilot temporary street closures at school gates during peak times.
  • 🚌
    Invest in School Bus Services: Expand or subsidize bus services to reduce individual trips.

Alternative & Expanded Options

  • 🚐
    Neighborhood E-Circulator Shuttle: Launch a free, electric shuttle on a continuous loop.
  • 🛴
    Subsidized Micromobility: Install shared e-bike and e-scooter docking stations.
  • 🚲
    Create a "Bicycle Highway": Develop a high-quality, physically separated cycle track.

IMPROVE

Optimize the efficiency and safety of the network for essential vehicle trips.

Primary Recommendations

  • ↔️
    Rationalize the Network: Implement one-way loops and new "pressure relief" exits.
  • 🅿️
    High-Efficiency PUDO Zones: Build dedicated, off-street pick-up/drop-off loops for schools.
  • 🚚
    Modern Curb Management: Create dedicated loading zones and peak-hour parking restrictions.

Alternative & Expanded Options

  • 💡
    "Smart Curb" Technology: Pilot reservable loading slots using sensors or an app.
  • 🚦
    Adaptive Traffic Signals: Install a smart system that adjusts timing based on real-time traffic.
  • 🔄
    Consider a Modern Roundabout: Evaluate replacing the main intersection with a multi-lane roundabout.

Synthesized Action Plan

Strategy Key Interventions Impact
AVOID Staggered Hours, Carpooling Apps, Local Amenities Fewer cars on the road during peak times.
SHIFT Safe Routes to School, E-Shuttles, Bike Highways More trips by walking, cycling, & shared transport.
IMPROVE Network Reconfiguration, Smart Curbs, PUDO Zones Remaining traffic flows more efficiently and safely.