7 Principles for Designing Safe Cities

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:

1. Avoid urban sprawl
2. Slow down road traffic
3. Ensure main streets are safe for everyone, not just cars.
4. Create dedicated spaces for pedestrians.
5. Provide a safe, connected network for cyclists.
6. Ensure safe access to high-quality public transport.
7. 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."