Designing Streets for Kids

Building on the success of the Global Street Design Guide, the guidance in Designing Streets for Kids captures international best practices, strategies, programs, and policies that cities around the world have used to design spaces that enable children of all ages and abilities to utilize cities’ most abundant asset – streets. The guide includes design recommendations and case studies that highlight streets that are safe, enjoyable, and inspirational for children and caregivers.

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Designing Streets for Kids NACTO GDCI Report

Advance Praise

    • For too long, cities have ignored children's needs and wishes and allowed the car to reign supreme. The climate crisis, an epidemic of inactivity, and environmental degradation all add to the case for change. Designing Streets for Kids is a timely, comprehensive guide to creating safe, sociable streets and neighborhoods, making cities more sustainable and livable for everyone.

      Tim Gill, author of "No Fear" and international expert on childhood development

    • If you design a street that works for kids, you design a street that works for everyone. Designing Streets for Kids shows how cities can lead by design to improve the quality of life for people everywhere.

      Janette Sadik-Khan, GDCI Chair

    • Safe streets are critical for all people—especially kids—to equitably access their cities. Designing Streets for Kids shows how prioritizing children creates an environment that supports everyone and makes our cities safer, more beautiful, and more joyful.

      Zoleka Mandela, Global Ambassador, Child Health Initiative

    • Urban design is the most important thing we can do to make streets safer for everyone. Using the design principles in Designing Streets for Kids, we can start today by building streets from a child's perspective.

      Roberto Claudio, Mayor of Fortaleza, Brazil

    • "Safe streets are essential so that everyone in cities can have access to the same opportunities and the same quality of life. Designing Streets for Kids helps give our youngest residents and their caregivers the option to get around as safely and easily on foot, bus, or bike as anyone in a car.

      Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, Albania

    • Streets designed for the safety of children aren't just safer, they are the foundation of a city with less driving, less traffic, and less pollution. This guide lays the groundwork for all street users to have healthier, happier lives.

      Gonzalo Duran Baronti, Mayor of Independencia, Santiago de Chile, Chile

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    Endorsing the GSDG provides a permission slip for organizations, cities, and regions to advance safe, healthy, sustainable, and vibrant streets.