User pattern · town

Human-Scale Street Widths

Allan B. Jacobs

Jacobs argues that the best streets maintain a width that promotes human interaction and comfort, typically not exceeding 70 feet, including sidewalks.

Context

Designing streets in urban environments where pedestrian comfort and community interaction are priorities.

Problem

Streets that are too wide disconnect pedestrians from activities on the other side and encourage speeding, undermining human interaction.

Solution

Ensure that street width, including sidewalks, does not exceed 70 feet to allow comfortable pedestrian crossing and engagement.