Urban design directly affects transportation in several ways:
1. Mode choice: The design of the urban environment influences the mode of transportation that people use. For example, the availability and quality of bike lanes, sidewalks, public transit, and parking facilities can encourage or discourage people from using certain modes of transportation.
2. Accessibility: The design of the urban environment can impact the accessibility of transportation options. For example, mixed-use developments that are located close to public transportation hubs may encourage more people to use public transit, while dispersed residential and commercial areas may lead to more driving.
3. Traffic flow: Urban design can impact the flow of traffic, with the potential to create congestion or improve traffic flow. Street design elements such as road width, number of lanes, and the presence of turning lanes can impact the efficiency of traffic flow.
4. Safety: Urban design can directly impact the safety of transportation. For example, the design of bike and pedestrian infrastructure can increase or decrease the likelihood of accidents and injury.
5. Environmental impact: Transportation is a major source of urban emissions. The design of the urban environment can directly impact the environmental impact of transportation, particularly if it prioritizes transit and active transportation modes over private vehicle use.
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