What's wrong with this picture? Horribly unsafe street design, for starters

This photo comes from The Walkable and Livable Cities Institute, led by the indefatigable Dan Burden.  The Institute posted it on Facebook yesterday, with this caption:

“Most of us will outlive our ability to drive. If we want to be able to stay in our neighborhoods, in our homes, beyond our driving years, we need streets that support us in walking. This neighborhood street in Smithtown, NY, could really use at least a sidewalk.”

I just can’t add to that.  The photo tells the story.

Here’s another:

“This family in central Florida needs to cross a street, but there isn't a crossing within a quarter-mile. So they take their chances with the six lanes and cars passing at 45 to 55 mph.”

Ugh.

The Walkable and Livable Cities Institute is a great resource for all who are interested in people-focused development.  I especially like the way they teach visually, as in this aspirational re-imagination of a road in Orange Beach, Alabama:

Here is an excerpt from the group’s mission statement:

• We inspire by helping communities envision a better future, by sharing examples and success stories and by displaying a personal commitment to the movement.
• We teach the benefits of walkability and livability, best practices in designing for active transportation and strategies for successful civic engagement and implementation.
• We connect community members and leaders to important resources, engage them in the process, and help them communicate with each other.
• We support with ongoing guidance, educational materials and by celebrating successes widely.

Go here for more information about the Institute.

Related posts:

• Photos of willful ignorance that people need to walk, ride transit and bicycle (June 7, 2010)
• Complete streets policies are gaining popularity across the country (April 27, 2011)
• Sidewalks are good for your health – and so are neighborhood amenities (May 1, 2009)

Move your cursor over the images for credit information.

  Please also visit NRDC’s sustainable communities video channel.