Why Do We Need Healthy Streets?

Healthy Streets for Safety and Security:
Transportation in our communities should protect all users, especially the most vulnerable, and use all available methods to reduce deaths and injuries from crashes. A transportation system that offers multiple travel options on multiple networks is resilient and reliable during emergencies. Street design should encourage friendly human interaction and discourage crime. (See also Death and Injury from Crashes and Killing Speed.)

Healthy Streets for Public Health and Recreation:
Transportation in our communities can encourage physical activity and improve air quality. We need a street environment that helps curb the epidemics of obesity, asthma and diseases caused by sedentary living. If walking and bicycling are safe and convenient, then regular physical activity can more easily be built into daily transportation. Streets are the best opportunity for urban residents to regularly move and breathe in proximity to trees and green space. Sidewalks, bicycle routes and trails can provide enticing and affordable recreational opportunities for everyone close to home. Local streets can be designed to encourage play and exercise in the neighborhood. (See also Obesity and Inactivity and Pollution.)

Healthy Streets for Social Equity:
Transportation in our communities should enable all people to gain access to good jobs, education, recreation and needed services. The transportation environment should allow all citizens to participate fully in society whether or not they have a car. (See also Social Isolation and Community Disintegration.)

Healthy Streets for Economic Prosperity:
Transportation in our communities should enhance the efficient and reliable movement of people, goods and services by supporting multiple travel options. Transportation investments should be integrated with sustainable land-use and development planning to encourage robust multi-use neighborhoods and revitalization without displacement.

Healthy Streets for Energy Security and Environmental Protection:
Transportation in our communities should provide choices that improve air and water quality, protect and increase green space, promote resource efficiency, conserve energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuel, and offer solutions to climate change. (See also Pollution.)