The car-centric design of many U.S. cities traps young people at home, preventing them from engaging in social activities and urban life.

In an opinion piece published in Congress for New Urbanism’s Public Square, high school senior Rahul Rejeev argues that “The lack of effective transit, coupled with the lack of kid-friendly destinations and the feeling of more dangerous neighborhoods, means that today’s youth find it harder than ever to go outside, meet up with friends, and form more meaningful relationships.”
The American reliance on the personal automobile particularly impacts young people, many of whom face barriers that prevent them from getting their licenses or buying cars even when they’re old enough. “Lack of mobility coupled with large distances means that kids are far from the places where they want to hang out,” isolating them from social and economic opportunities. “Public transport is the only guaranteed way for a young person to be free and enjoy mobility,” Rejeev writes.
For Rejeev, zoning reform, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and efficient public transit are not just ways to curb carbon emissions and reduce car dependency, but also significant ways to improve the lives of young people.
FULL STORY: Children, left behind by suburbia, need better community design

Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives
Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

States Scramble in Wake of Clean Water Act Ruling
The removal of federal oversight of wetlands has left millions of acres unregulated and erected major hurdles for lawmakers seeking to protect them.

Brightline West Awarded $3 Billion in Federal Funding
The high-speed rail line will cut travel time between Southern California and Las Vegas roughly in half.

OKC Celebrates New Rapid Bus Line With Free Rides
The agency wants to showcase the benefits of a recently opened BRT line connecting the northwest part of the city to downtown.
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
City of Kissimmee - Development Services
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.