A World Research Institute report offers seven prescriptions for designing safer cities. At the top of the list: avoid sprawl.
Brian Merchant reports: The World Research Institute (WRI) "just released a report that examines traffic statistics in cities around the world, and the findings are fairly unambiguous: Sprawling, car-centric cities kill more people than dense, pedestrian- and mass transit-friendly ones."
Merchant interviewed Ben Welle, senior associate for health and road safety at the WRI for his perspective on the traffic fatality statistics. The data are actually only one component of the report—WRI also recommends "7 Proven Principles for Designing a Safer City." The traffic fatalities back up the principle, "Avoid urban sprawl." The complete list follows:
- Avoid urban sprawl
- Slow down road traffic
- Ensure main streets are safe for everyone, not just cars.
- Create dedicated spaces for pedestrians.
- Provide a safe, connected network for cyclists.
- Ensure safe access to high-quality public transport.
- Use data to detect problem areas.
Merchant also isn't afraid to voice a realization that many urbanists are still avoiding: "These guidelines are especially important in a world that’s putting more cars on the road than ever—even, it appears, in the US, where driving was long thought to be on the decline."
FULL STORY: Sprawl Kills
Commentary: We Need a Return to the Adaptability of Traditional Urban Form
How the rigidity of modern suburban development fails to prepare cities for the future.
How Typical Economic Development Kills Community Character
An economic development pro makes an argument for an approach to economic development that prioritizes the urban design decisions that favor community character.
Vision Zero...Without the Enforcement
As a leading bicycle advocacy organization withdraws support for police enforcement of Vision Zero plans, the discretionary practices of traffic enforcement come under rejuvenated scrutiny.
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.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
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.
Borough of Carlisle
Smith Gee Studio
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)