Building Secure Yet Welcoming Public Spaces

Strategies for securing public spaces from vehicle attacks and other acts of terrorism without sacrificing accessible, vibrant urban places.

1 minute read

February 13, 2025, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Red spherical bollards lining city sidewalk.

Frenky / Adobe Stock

How can cities better protect people in public spaces from vehicle attacks and other threats? Writing in Bloomberg CityLab, John Surico attempts to unpack this question in the wake of the deadly attack in New Orleans, in which a truck was used to kill over a dozen people as protective bollards were being replaced.

According to Rob Reiter, a security consultant who specializes in vehicle attacks, says cities should more carefully evaluate potential “collision points” where pedestrian-heavy corridors intersect with roadways open to vehicle traffic. Reiter points to New York City’s low-tech intervention for New Year’s Eve: “dozens of garbage and dump trucks laden with sand, parked bumper-to-bumper to block any intrusions,” providing a practically impenetrable perimeter.

Outside of special events, cities can use “sculptural barriers,” trees, and other decorative — but solid — items to create a “positive perimeter” that offers protection without creating a hostile environment. 

Surico concludes that “The long-term benefits of security improvements can’t necessarily be counted in just lives saved. Just as a community that’s more hospitable to older adults or children is more hospitable to everyone else, too, making spaces better protected from vehicle attacks can also just make them better, period.”

Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Bloomberg CityLab

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

March 10, 2025 - Smart Cities World

Close-up on red and white "For Rent" sign on building.

What Makes Rent ‘Fair’

Should monthly charges be pegged to the cost of financing, developing, and operating housing, or to household income? Or are there other ways to design how rent is calculated?

31 minutes ago - Shelterforce Magazine

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

1 hour ago - Newsweek

Close-up of electric bus being charged with portable charger.

Zero-Emission Bus Fleets Grow, But Federal Funding Is in Jeopardy

Transit agencies around the country have purchased over 7,000 zero-emission buses, but a federal program that funds the shift could be eliminated under the new administration.

March 17 - Smart Cities Dive

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.