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There are many factors that make urban streets unique and different from rural or suburban streets. Urban streets have a larger number of pedestrians and bicyclists and are located near businesses and commercial buildings. When designing urban streets there are many technical aspects to consider including but not limited to: traffic flows, speeds and volume.

Dallas, Texas[link]

One example where urban street design and its principles were a success was in Dallas, Texas. Here, in 1999 the Urban Street Symposium was held. This symposium covered many design topics and addressed urban street issues in workshops and sessions. Some of the topics covered included: Urban Street Design: Different Perspectives, Public Involvement: Examples and Models, Layout and Functional Classification Parts A and B, Access Management, Street Speed, Intersections, Cross Sections, Pedestrians, Traffic Calming, Light Rail in an Urban Setting, Safety and Design, Capacity Analysis, and Flexible and Neo-traditional Signs. This symposium was very broad, inclusive and informative on strategies for better urban streets.

Charlotte, North Carolina[link]

Charlotte, North Carolina is another example where the urban street and its design has become an aspect for community betterment. In Charlotte, a new philosophy for planning and designing streets has become important. In urban street design the philiosophy considers different aspects such as the safety, convenience and comfort for those riding bicycles, for pedestrians and transit users, motorists and the community. In Charlotte, the main points for street design are integrated planning, increased connectivity, and increased modal choices. Another good example of how to design an urban street and what factors can go into this design.

Seattle, Washington[link]

Seattle, Washington is another good example where the urban street and some of its design factors have been identified. Here, street sustainability is a primary design factor and is considered to be the factor that will make urban streets more beneficial to the people, community, economy and environment. Seattle takes on the philosophy that urban streets should serve the public across all modes of travel and provide key mobility links within urban communities. Seattle has come up with a list of Sustainable Urban Street Options: Reduce energy consumption, Reduce consumption of material resources, Reduce impacts to environmental resources,Support healthy urban communities and Support sustainability during implementation. All important goals fitting to their guideline standards of an urban street.

References[link]

• Urban Street Design
• Urban Street Symposium
• Charlotte's Urban Street Design Guidelines:A Context-Sensitive Decision-Making Method
• 3rd Urban Street Symposium