How to Design Livable Streets

It’s no secret that Good produces the best graphics to illustrate the most current and important points.  They tend to go viral and get passed around.  I like their popular graphic on vampire energy and guide to prefab construction.  Good has a knack for distilling complex information, and I think their new guide to livable streets is worth reading.  In it, they explain ten ways to redesign and transform streets to become livable:

1. Allow street vendors
2. Provide pedestrian street lamps
3. Install curb extensions at crosswalks
   
4. Create dedicated bus lanes
   
5. Create dedicated bike lanes
   
6. Install raised, textured crosswalks
   
7. Adjust street lights to give lead to pedestrians
   
8. Install bollards at intersections
   
9. Nurture street trees and plantings
   
10. Use speeds bumps where necessary

Growing up in Texas, I never really had experience with urban streets.  My suburban street was quiet and livable, although when young, I almost planted my bike directly into the side of a cautiously moving car.  But upon visiting Washington D.C., I gained a new appreciation for livable streets – the sidewalks are huge and everyone walks on them. 

Which makes me think that livable for one street may not be livable for another.  However, with increasing population density and effective mass transportation, planning for livable streets is critical.  Any other ideas for making streets livable?

Photo credit: Good.