American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

How many vehicle trips per unit are associated with retirement homes?

1. 3.5 Vehicle Trips per Unit

2. 5 Vehicle Trips per Unit

3. 5.5 Vehicle Trips per Unit

4. 10 Vehicle Trips per Unit

The correct answer is: 3.5 Vehicle Trips per Unit

Retirement homes typically generate approximately 3.5 vehicle trips per unit. This figure takes into account the mobility patterns of seniors and the various factors affecting their transportation needs. Residents of retirement communities may have fewer trips than younger populations due to their lifestyle, which often involves reduced commuting for work or school. Additionally, the trips that do occur are generally more localized, often related to medical appointments, shopping, or social activities. Urban planning research combines these factors to arrive at the 3.5 vehicle trips per unit metric as a standard estimate for trip generation associated with retirement homes. This estimate helps planners in traffic impact analyses, zoning, and land use considerations, ensuring that the infrastructure can accommodate the specific transportation needs of senior living environments effectively.