Should a Residential Street Ever Lack Sidewalks?

You're probably familiar with the sight of a long, quiet residential street unadorned by sidewalks, pushing pedestrians, pets, and kids on bikes onto the street. Is there ever a good reason for such a typology?

1 minute read

January 22, 2015, 11:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

SvR /

Malcolm Kenton addresses a question posed by Greater Greater Washington reader Phil L.: "Do sidewalks measurably improve pedestrian safety even in low traffic density areas, like residential neighborhoods? What would be a compelling reason to have a residential street without a sidewalk?"

The questions comes as Washington D.C. and other cities are retrofitting some residential neighborhoods with sidewalks.

The post poses the question to a group of experts—contributors to Greater Greater Washington—for their opinion on the matter. The article provides a lot of good data, well-considered opinion, and historic background on why some residential neighborhoods lack sidewalks.

FULL STORY: Ask GGW: Is there any reason not to have a sidewalk?

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 in Greater Greater Washington

Infrastructure Urban Development United States Sidewalks Residential Streets Streets Pedestrian Safety View More

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