This guidebook covers trails, alleys, lanes, streets, avenues with parking, main streets without medians, boulevardsw and parkways. For each of these it gives sidewalk and pavement widths, number of lanes, average speeds, trees and appropriate nearby land uses. It also includes an analysis of conventional and healthy street practices, and offers 25 helpful street practices for healthy neighborhoods. Below is an excerpt from the guidebook giving the overview. The complete guidebook can be ordered from the Local Government Commission.

Traditional streets are an important component of healthy neighborhoods and livable communities. Pedestrians in most cities say they want well-designed neighborhood alleys, lanes and streets that keep motorist speeds between 10 and 25 mph, and provide on-street parking, sidewalks, shade, benches, street lamps, and other community amenities.

These design elements combine to create an ideal environment that encourages walking, bicycling and a sense of community: streets should be well connected to offer a variety of walking routes and to distribute motorized traffic. Streets should have regular terminating vistas -- prominent features where they end or at the apex of curves -- and offer plenty of variety along the way Intersections should have turning radii that require low speeds, yet allow access by infrequent street users such as fire trucks, sanitation trucks, and delivery vehicles. Ideally, blocks are not longer than 300- 450 feet. Houses are located close to the street. Parks, schools, churches and small shops are found at walkable distances from each home.

Walkable, bike-friendly, transit-oriented neighborhoods eliminate the need for many non-essential, motorized trips. Traffic volume, speed and noise are reduced. By slowing motorized traffic, people discover that the front portions of their homes are pleasant places. They spend more time in front yards and porches, and meet neighbors along walkways and at street corners.

Putting more people outside further slows traffic and enhances neighborhood security As more people meet, make friends, and share information, neighborhood bonds are strengthened and people watch out for each other. Over time, parents feel more comfortable about allowing their children to be outdoors more often, and they permit children to walk or bike to many of their favorite destinations. These attitudes foster activity and personal interaction that benefit the physical and emotional health of children, seniors, and, indeed, every resident who plays a part in creating a truly safe and healthy neighborhood.