A piece from Anchorage, Alaska discusses problems that can arise when planners don't address gender-based safety. Walkable, populated, well-lit streets and transit are the best remedy.
Rates of gender-based violence tend higher in Anchorage, and better planning is key to reducing them: "robust public infrastructure is critical [...]. Many planning issues are framed as yuppie issues–wanting a dedicated bike lane to bike from yoga to Whole Foods–but planning is fundamentally a women's rights and human rights issue as well."
Specifically, mixed-use neighborhoods with vibrant local activity can cut into crime regardless of culture or socioeconomic class. "Typical places that cause fear and insecurity for women are dark doorways, parks at night, empty and badly lit streets, underground car parks, and pedestrian underpasses." The article continues, "Public spaces utilized by women increase the likelihood those spaces will be used more frequently."
To highlight gender differences in perceived urban safety, this might be worth quoting: "Margaret Atwood once asked a group of men why they feared women, and they replied 'we're afraid they might laugh at us.' She then asked a group of women why they feared men, and the women replied 'we're afraid they might kill us.'"
FULL STORY: We’re Afraid They Might Kill Us: Gender Violence and Urban Design
Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems
SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.
How Effective Street Lighting Improves Women’s Mobility
A lack of effective lighting in streets, parks, and transit stations limits the places where many women and other vulnerable groups feel safe traveling at night.
Study: How To Make Transit Safer
A new report recommends boosting ‘ambassador programs,’ improving reliability and frequency, and supporting more anti-harassment initiatives.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike
For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)