Walkability

Empty Parking

Dallas Considers Nixing Parking Requirements

According to one local official, Dallas projects routinely build 20 to 30 percent more parking than they need, driving up the cost of housing and leading to unsustainable land use patterns.

November 25, 2024 - The Real Deal

Busy subway station with people walking on platform and train stopped.

How Good Transit Benefits Communities Beyond its Users

Robust, efficient transit networks can have an outsized impact on vehicle miles traveled, even by non-transit users.

November 14, 2024 - State Smart Transportation Initiative

Close-up of red DriveThru sign at McDonald's fast food restaurant in Chicago, Illinois.

Dallas Extends Permit for Downtown Drive-Thru

The city has indicated this is the last time it will extend a permit for a drive-thru at a McDonald’s restaurant as it transitions to supporting a denser, more walkable downtown environment.

November 13, 2024 - The Dallas Express

Aerial view of Louvre Museum complex in Paris, France.

Paris Creates Limited Traffic Zone in City Center

Most vehicles will be barred from entering a 5.5 square kilometer zone to limit traffic, noise, and pollution.

November 4, 2024 - Le Monde

Brown-haired woman in an orange jacket walking down crowded street smiling

How the Built Environment Affects Your Mood

Humans have survived for millennia by staying together, not apart.

October 27, 2024 - Marcelo Remond

Aerial view of suburban sprawl with large single-family homes near Dallas, Texas.

Zoning for Good

A new book highlights the power of zoning to change communities for the better.

October 15, 2024 - Governing

Street with blurred traffic and office buioldings in background in Tucson, Arizona at dusk.

When ‘Prioritizing All Modes’ Is a Lie

In many cases, it’s impossible to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users without sacrificing some speed.

September 16, 2024 - Anna Zivarts

Close-up on wooden section of bike and pedestrian path marked with ped symbols on one side and bike symbols on the other.

Pedestrians First: Tools for a Walkable City

A comprehensive new website provides information on why and how to improve community walkability and offers practical tools for evaluating walking conditions.

September 5, 2024 - Pedestrians First: Tools for a Walkable City

Red Light Camera

When States Hinder Local Efforts to Cut Down on Cars

Reducing car dependency is a vital climate goal. Many U.S. cities want to shift trips to other modes, but they're often held back by state governments.

August 27, 2024 - Yale Climate Connections

Rendering of redeveloped public square in Denton, Texas with new pedestrian and public infrastructure and historic courthouse in background.

North Texas Town Launches Downtown Revitalization Plan

The Design Downtown Denton plan takes aim at improving walkability and highlighting the city’s historic assets.

August 22, 2024 - Denton Record-Chronicle

Low close-up of yellow flowers and pedestrians walking on New York City's High Line linear park.

Pedestrian-Friendly Cities: The Impact of Walkability Grants

Explore how walkability grants are transforming cities into pedestrian-friendly environments, enhancing urban livability, boosting local economies, and improving public health.

August 22, 2024 - Devin Partida

"Stop - Pedestrians in crosswalk" sign in white and red lights.

Which Cities Have the Highest Pedestrian Fatalities?

Rapid population growth and limited pedestrian infrastructure puts people walking at higher risk.

August 15, 2024 - Motor Biscuit

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

New York State Climate Plan Stalls

Of 35 recommendations presented in the state’s climate scoping plan, just one has been implemented so far.

July 17, 2024 - New York Focus

White water tower with KYLE text against blue sky with white clouds.

Austin Suburb Launches Walkability Study

Kyle, Texas is developing a Sidewalks Master Plan to improve walking facilities.

July 8, 2024 - Hoodline

Aerial view of Champs Elysees boulevard in Paris, France.

‘Grand Boulevards’ Could Ease Housing Crisis

A prominent urbanist argues that redeveloping commercial corridors with denser housing could bridge the gap between the housing supply and demand.

June 27, 2024 - Congress For New Urbanism

Three men riding recumbent bikes on paved greenway next to bayou with Houston skyline in background.

Houston Developers Question Mayor’s Stance on Pedestrian Projects

The new mayor’s reversal of road safety projects, some already underway or completed, is raising eyebrows among developers who say residents want walkable, mixed-use streets.

June 13, 2024 - Houston Chronicle

Line of cars at a McDonald's drive-thru at night.

St. Paul Considers Drive-Thru Restrictions

Limiting drive-thrus can make streets more dangerous for pedestrians and snarl traffic.

June 12, 2024 - Axios

Tree lined residential street in the historic West Village neighborhood of Greenwich Village in Manhattan, New York City.

Sibling Study Highlights Impact of Green Neighborhoods on Public Health

More evidence that access to green spaces and walkable communities improve public health outcomes.

May 26, 2024 - University of Maryland

Close-up of person with vision impairment wearing jeans and white sneakers crossing yellow and white striped crosswalk with cane.

Being a Non-Driver in a Car-Dependent World

A third or more of Americans cannot drive due to their age, ability, or other factors. How can their travel needs inform our transportation systems?

May 23, 2024 - Streetsblog USA

One-story strip mall with red awnings.

‘Stroads:’ The Worst of Both Worlds

An urban planning critic says the U.S. should build streets for people to live on, and roads to move traffic quickly.

May 15, 2024 - The Wall Street Journal

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.