Vehicle and bus circulation surrounding school facilities shall prioritize the safe movement of pedestrians and orderly, efficient drop-off procedures for students. Both vehicular and bus areas shall be carefully designed to minimize the possibility of students breathing exhaust fumes from vehicles.
Driveways / Vehicular Entrances
Driveways shall be designed to a driving speed of 5 miles per hour within the school property. They will provide direct access to a student drop-off area near the entry plaza of the school.
Drop-Off Lanes
The drop-off area shall be designed for one-way traffic with a dedicated drop-off lane. The drive aisle shall have a minimum width of 16 feet. Drop-off lanes will include a section of depressed curb when possible, at a length greater than or equal to the length of a typical school bus. The area will be striped to indicate use as a drop-off, and informational signs will be required. Drop-off areas will be designed to accommodate the turning radii and width of a typical school bus. Driveway length shall allow for 65 feet of vehicular queuing (equal to the length of two typical school buses, plus a five-foot buffer).
Whenever possible provide a pedestrian only, non-vehicular area for bus drop off shall be accommodated. A CPS paraprofessional bus aid will provide assistance to diverse learnings and students with disabilities. For motorized bus lifts consider the following:
- CPS Preferred option is to provide side access with a motorized bus lift. This allows the person in the wheelchair to be dropped off horizontally directly on a level area in the street right of way. There shall be a level landing area of at least 8’-0” x 8”-0” with an accessible route to the main accessible entrance.
- Rear access with a motorized bus lift is less preferred. The person in the wheelchair would be dropped off horizontally on the street. Ensure drop off is located near a CDOT curb cut or bus drop off area with an accessible route to the main accessible entrance. Rear access may allow for direct access to a special wheelchair dock at specific schools, coordinate on an individual basis.
If site constraints do not allow for these guidelines to be followed, the designer shall coordinate with the school to create a safe drop-off area for students.
Refer to Volume 3 Sections 1.7 Site Amenities and 1.10 Site Accessibility for more information regarding materials, furnishings, and accessibility. Refer to the City of Chicago Street and Site Plan Design Standards, CDOT Rules and Regulations, and Chicago Landscape Ordinance.