Community Concerns - Safety
To many people the word “safety” primarily means “low-crime”. Indeed, great neighborhoods are safe because they are populated by law-abiding people who are connected to each other and who have a stake in the success of their neighborhood. But safety also means having an infrastructure that is safe and comfortable for pedestrians of all ages and abilities as well as for bicyclists, micro-mobile travelers (scooters, Segways, etc.) as well as for motorists. About 6,000 pedestrians die each year; that’s one every 90 minutes. Citizens must insist on a safer infrastructure for the oldest form of transportation known to mankind: walking.
Neighborhoods - Street Networks
The level of connectedness of streets impacts how safe they are for the pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants who travel on them. A well-connected street and sidewalk network is also safer for people who live and work in those communities - nothing keeps crime away like a well-populated neighborhood of connected people.
Streets - Fundamental Ingredients
The elements that form a street corridor, including travel lane size, collector strips, sidewalk design, and building placement can influence the safety of a neighborhood (perceived and real) as well as add unique elements of pride.
Streets - Intersections and Streetscape
Pedestrian safety is influenced by how well intersections are constructed. Different intersection and streetscape features can be used to create pedestrian-friendly and safe spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Buildings - Stimulating Special Places
The location and design of buildings in relation to the public realm plays a key role in the safety of an area by determining the comfort and walkability of a space. Well-designed public gathering places encourage occupants to stay longer and return often if those places are comfortable, inviting, and easily populated.
Buildings - Architectural Design
Discover how some simple aspects of building design can affect – positively or adversely – the safety and comfort of a neighborhood.
Public Places - Sidewalks and Cafes
See how cafes and stores that create spaces on sidewalks for customers, and have inviting storefronts, can create vibrant and safe areas for neighborhoods.
Public Places - Small Gathering Spaces
Pocket Parks can make urban street corridors with long, unrelenting façade-walls into relaxing civic spaces. Find out how the design and placement of the buildings around these places can decrease the opportunity for crime by creating open and visible areas