ABSTRACT
Pedestrians are now comfortable only on small, isolated islands among a sea of autos, that is, in parks, college campuses, shopping centers, and newer apartment complexes. But these places are invariably separated from the street where the real activity is. Pedestrians and bicyclists are much slower than motorists, and travel without the benefit of a climate-controlled, entertainment-equipped, protective metal shell known as a car. This makes them much more sensitive to the length of trips and the environment in which they travel. Walking is the mode of choice for nearly all trips of one-tenth mile or less; walking is chosen only 10 percent of the time when trips reach one-half mile in length. Motorists drive to get somewhere. Pedestrians and bicyclists travel for the experience as well as the trip purpose. On high-speed thoroughfares, people design for simplicity and openness.
