The common wisdom about walkable neighborhoods holds that density – proximity to destinations – determines the number of walking trips. An ideal walking distance of a quarter mile is usually prescribed between residences and the nearest transit stop or retail center.
I don’t dispute that walking distance is important, especially when I’m lugging an armload of groceries. However, some trendy high-density development favors compactness at the expense of comfort and safety.
Pedestrian Planning
Blocked Roads in Bangalore
What More 'Livable Streets' Could Mean for New York
A Car-Free Avenue Grows in Brooklyn
Dar es Salaam Invests in Public Transit
Does TOD Create More Traffic?
Transforming Streets Into 'Urban Oases'

Is 'Walking Distance' Overrated?
Streetfilm: A Car Tour of Hollywood with a Pedestrian Advocate

Murder or Traffic Fatalities: Which is Worse?
New Orleans is experiencing a crime wave. High murder rates in the first two months of 2007 have made national attention. Anderson Cooper of CNN has been following this story. So far this year he has devoted two hour-long shows to this topic. I live in central New Orleans and my biggest complaint about the city is the high crime rate. I don’t think our city will recover if we fail to address this most serious issue. Crime makes you ask yourself – should I move to the suburbs where it’s safer and commute? But being a transportation planner, I can’t help but follow-up that question with – If I spend a lot more time driving will my exposure to dieing in a car accident increase? So which is worse - murder or traffic fatalities?












