Thread by @iWalkSafe

THREAD: It's a lot easier - and friendlier - to design our streets so that it is difficult to make a life-threatening mistake on them, rather than enforcing them 24/7 - an unsustainable goal. #safestreets

When a street is designed like a dragstrip, drivers will use it as such. That's why it's impossible to enforce our way out of speeding.

But by using the psychology of design (check out Vox's Norman Doors video), we can create streets that automatically encourage safe driving.

So what does safe design look like? Well, it can look like this raised crosswalk, which encourages drivers to slow down where people are likely to cross.

These are also easier for people using wheelchairs and our elders to navigate; there isn't a slope to roll down or trip on.

Then there are pedestrian islands, which create a safe place between long crosswalks, and allow someone crossing to concentrate on only one direction of traffic at at time.

Cities can also "daylight" intersections by removing parking spaces at the corners, improving visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.

The best of these designs incorporate flexposts or bicycle racks to prevent illegal parking.

Taking it a step further, curb extensions are a form of permanent daylighting, but with the added benefit of increased pedestrian space.

The shorter crosswalk also make it quicker to get to the other side of the street in safety.

Then there are tighter intersection corners - which force drivers to slow down to make the smaller radius bend, increasing the chance they'll do the right thing, and stop so anyone waiting to cross...can cross.

And, of course, slower speeds. Granted, as is often observed, a sign is rarely effective.

However, visual cues, such as trees and narrower lanes encourage slower and safer driving. Don't forget: Trees also make the sidewalk experience more inviting - and cooler.

Did you know that curbs can't stop people from driving onto sidewalks?

Bollards can do this job though, and they also prevent parking on the sidewalk. Better a broken fender than broken bones.

Nashville installed quite a few on Broadway Street in 2018.

And then there are pedestrian scrambles! This is a dedicated light phase where all drivers must stop (and cannot enter the intersection, even for a right turn) while the "WALK" light is lit, and pedestrians can cross in any direction - diagonally too.

Finally - wider sidewalks are inviting and encourage people to walk more. Plus, they're especially critical for those who use wheelchairs, who often have to deal with everything from power poles to street signs placed in their path.

P.S.: If you like these images, you can find them and these explanations as part of our Better Streets for Kids module in our WalkSafe Virtual Education lessons: iwalksafe.org/virtuallearnin…