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Design Tools Streets can be made healthier by changing the way they are designed. The radius of the corner at an intersection is a good example. A tight radius requires motor vehicles to slow down when turning and decreases the pedestrian crossing distance. This makes it easier and safer to cross the street. Improvements to the street network are also possible. Often in suburban subdivisions the local street networks are not contiguous, requiring anyone traveling from the residential area to a school or a store to use a circuitous route on busy roads. A short-cut path that links local streets across a barrier can encourage walking and cycling by providing a safer and shorter route. There are limitless design changes that can be made to streets. These changes reduce vehicle speeds, increase pedestrian and cyclist visibility, improve transit operations and access, increase the amount of green space, change the timing or the type of traffic signals, define places to walk and bicycle, control parking and motor vehicle movements, and achieve a variety of other healthy street outcomes. Designing streets only for cars at the expense of active travel, local businesses, and civic uses is still common. But planners and engineers are now learning to use a full set of design options to build streets that accommodate all users. Resources:
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