Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Loads of good stuff today on the Streetsblog Network.

Portland Transport has a post on the connection between cul-de-sac development and safety for all street users, as discussed at the Congress for the New Urbanism Transportation Summit in Portland.

2233436864_d1836d5933.jpgWhat are the dangers of cul-de-sac development? (Photo: TheMuuj via Flickr.)

For me the highlight presentation on opening day…was about the safety effects of different street network types.

The study was based on looking at all cities in California with
population of 40,000 or greater. The surprising finding was that cities
built before 1950 are safer (in terms of both serious injuries and
fatalities for all classes of users: auto drivers/passengers, cyclists
and pedestrians) than cities built after 1950.

The differences appears to be in the type of street network. Compact
street grids seem to be safer, compared to the arterial-collector-local
street 'tree' style of street network popular in post-war development.

No link to the study itself yet, but we're interested in hearing more.

More from around the network: Urban City Architecture launches a series of posts on the pressing issue of pedestrian safety in Miami. Bello Velo reports on a new driver education campaign designed to improve cyclist safety in Huntsville, Alabama. And Copenhagenize is looking for your opinion on the safety of daylight headlight requirements.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Rider Advocates Snub Mamdani’s Event After Mayor Opts Against Fordham Busway

Riders Alliance criticized Mamdani for eschewing the city's "original" busway plan that he campaigned to implement.

February 13, 2026

DE-ADAMSIZATION: Mamdani Restores Multiple Street Redesigns Killed By Eric Adams

The new mayor turns the page on four frustrating years of Eric Adams killing crucial street projects.

February 13, 2026

Q&A: Mamdani Biz Regulator Sam Levine Isn’t Afraid To Take On Big Tech

Levine's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection is a key regulatory force against the fast-growing delivery app industry, which has huge consequences for the city's public realm.

February 13, 2026

Commish Tisch: Fix in Mix For 311

The Adams appointee wants to revamp the 311 system so that police responses are trackable.

February 13, 2026

On Board! New Yorkers Want Weekend G Train Extension to Forest Hills

More service is a no-brainer, riders said.

February 13, 2026
See all posts