New Urbanism design encourages active transportation, such as cycling and walking, through various strategies that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over private vehicles. Here are some ways New Urbanism design facilitates and encourages active transportation:
1. Mixed-use development: New Urbanism promotes the integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within neighborhoods, reducing the need for long commutes. By locating essential services, such as workplaces, schools, shops, and amenities, within walking or biking distance, it encourages residents to choose active transportation for their daily activities.
2. Compact, walkable neighborhoods: New Urbanist neighborhoods are designed to have a pedestrian-friendly layout with shorter blocks, narrower streets, and interconnected street networks. This design makes walking and cycling more convenient, safe, and enjoyable by reducing distances, increasing connectivity, and minimizing traffic speeds.
3. Pedestrian-oriented infrastructure: New Urbanism prioritizes the needs of pedestrians and cyclists when designing streets and infrastructure. Wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths are integrated into the design to create a safe and comfortable environment for active transportation. Additionally, New Urbanism promotes the provision of pedestrian amenities like benches, streetlights, shade trees, and public spaces, enhancing the pedestrian experience.
4. Transit-oriented development (TOD): New Urbanism often emphasizes the integration of public transportation systems, such as buses, light rail, or subway networks, within or adjacent to neighborhoods. TOD ensures easy access to public transportation, reducing the dependency on private vehicles and encouraging people to choose walking or cycling for short trips to and from transit stations.
5. Reduction of parking: New Urbanism aims to minimize the amount of parking within neighborhoods. By reducing parking availability, it discourages private vehicle usage and encourages residents to rely on active transportation modes. Limited parking also helps create more space for pedestrian-oriented design features.
6. Connectivity and proximity: New Urbanist design focuses on creating a connected network of streets, paths, and greenways, ensuring that destinations are easily accessible by foot or bicycle. By reducing travel distances and providing convenient connections, it promotes and encourages active transportation choices.
7. Community design and aesthetics: New Urbanism emphasizes creating attractive and people-oriented environments. By incorporating well-designed public spaces, landscaping, parks, and attractive streetscapes, it encourages people to walk and cycle while enjoying their surroundings.
Overall, New Urbanism design principles prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, making active transportation a practical and appealing choice for residents.
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