Why require sidewalks at a density of 4 units per acre?
The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) recommends sidewalks at this threshold. In addition, sidewalks support the use of mass transit and transit service is generally understood to be effective at 4 units per acre or greater. Why not have sidewalks on just one side? Sidewalks should generally be placed on both sides of a street. For development review, coordinating which side of the street the sidewalk should be on becomes complicated. With a sidewalk on only one side it is no longer clear who pays for it or who maintains it. A sidewalk on only one side prompts walkers to cross the street, increasing the possibility of a collision with an automobile. With sidewalks on only one side there is the possibility of two additional crossing conflicts*, or a person staying on the roadway when they cannot cross. * Source: Handbook for Walkable Communities. Dan Burden and Michael Wallwork How can we be flexible on when sidewalks are installed? By allowing a deferral if there are no sidew
