What are the key considerations for designing pedestrian-friendly streets?

1 Define the goals

The first step in designing pedestrian-friendly streets is to define the goals and objectives of the project, based on the context, needs, and preferences of the community. Some common goals are to improve pedestrian safety and comfort, to increase walking and biking rates, to support public transit use, to create attractive and vibrant public spaces, to foster social inclusion and equity, and to enhance environmental sustainability. These goals should be aligned with the vision and policies of the city, and should be communicated and consulted with the relevant stakeholders.

2 Assess the conditions

The second step is to assess the existing conditions and challenges of the street, such as the traffic volume and speed, the width and quality of the sidewalks, the presence and design of crosswalks, the availability and accessibility of public transit, the land use and urban form, the amenities and services, the climate and topography, and the culture and behavior of the users. This assessment should be based on data collection, observation, surveys, and feedback from the stakeholders, and should identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the street.

3 Apply the principles

The third step is to apply the principles and guidelines of pedestrian-friendly street design, based on the best practices and examples from around the world. Some of the general principles are to reduce the dominance of cars, to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, to provide safe and comfortable facilities for walking and biking, to integrate public transit and other modes of transport, to create human-scale and attractive spaces, to promote mixed-use and diverse activities, to enhance greenery and sustainability, and to encourage participation and innovation.

4 Choose the strategies

The fourth step is to choose the specific strategies and interventions that suit the goals, conditions, and principles of the street. Some of the common strategies are to narrow or calm the traffic lanes, to widen or improve the sidewalks, to install or upgrade the crosswalks, to add or enhance the bike lanes, to provide or expand the public transit options, to create or improve the public plazas, parks, or squares, to add or improve the street furniture, lighting, signage, or art, to plant or maintain the trees, plants, or flowers, and to support or regulate the street vendors, markets, or events.

5 Implement the plan

The fifth step is to implement the plan and execute the strategies, according to the budget, timeline, and resources of the project. This step involves the coordination and collaboration among the stakeholders, such as the urban planners, engineers, architects, developers, residents, businesses, and public agencies, as well as the compliance with the regulations and standards of the city. This step also requires the monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes and impacts of the project, such as the changes in pedestrian and traffic flows, safety and comfort levels, user satisfaction, economic performance, social interaction, environmental quality, and urban identity.