Harvard University Transportation Guidelines
- Transportation Guidelines Document (PDF, 67.7Mb)
The Harvard Transportation Guidelines are intended to inform transportation decisions as part of the planning process for new capital projects. While the Cambridge campus already prioritizes pedestrians over vehicles, other modes of transportation such as bicycles and transit are also important components of Harvard's overall transportation network. The new Guidelines seek to promote the use of non-auto modes of transportation on a coordinated campus-wide basis.
The guidelines, originally developed as part of the North Campus Transportation Study, focus on four key components of Harvard's transportation network:
- pedestrian environment
- bicycles
- transit
- vehicular accommodation
For each component the document provides guidance and recommendations for accommodating and promoting various transportation modes, and identifies specific considerations that should be addressed as part of the planning of campus capital projects.
The Guidelines have been distributed to all schools and departments that are involved in the planning of capital projects on the Cambridge campus, and are expected to be utilized by project planners and managers to improve the transportation components of specific projects.
Key Transportation Objectives
Pedestrian Environment
Pathway Network and Primary Connections
- Strengthen important connections
- Provide new connections between popular origins and destinations.
Pathway Design
- Meet the needs of intended users: pedestrians, bicycles, wheelchairs, and service/emergency vehicles.
- Provide adequate width, sight distance, accessible grades, suitable materials and other safety characteristics.
Bicycles
Bicycle Network
- Strengthen important connections
- Provide new connections to meet needs of commuter and non-commuter cyclists.
Bicycle Facilities
- Provide bicycle parking and amenities for the convenience and security of cyclists to encourage bicycling as a primary mode of transportation.
Transit
- Continue development and evaluation of the Harvard Shuttle to best serve the Harvard campus.
- Further integrate the shuttle with other public and private transportation services.
Vehicle Accommodations
- De-emphsize the importance of vehicles.
- Promote a safer environment for pedestrians in all campus parking lots and service areas.