Walkable communities are desirable places to live, work, learn, worship, and play, and are therefore a key component of smart growth.

Walkable communities locate themselves within an easy and safe walk from goods (such as housing, offices, and retail) and services (such as transportation, schools, and libraries) that a community resident or employee needs on a regular basis.

By definition, walkable communities make pedestrian activity possible, thus expanding transportation options, and creating a streetscape that better serves a range of users -- pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and automobiles.

To foster walkability, communities must mix land uses and build compactly, ensuring safe and inviting pedestrian corridors.

By building places with multiple destinations within close proximity, where the streets and sidewalks balance all forms of transportation, communities have the basic framework for encouraging walkability.

Develop a pedestrian master plan.

Use trees and other green infrastructure to provide shelter, beauty, urban heat reduction, and separation from automobile traffic.

Develop walking awareness and promotion programs.

Use visual cues and design elements to indicate pedestrian rights of way and minimize conflicts.

Situate parking to enhance the pedestrian environment and facilitate access between destinations.

Make places walkable for aging population in response to new demographics and special needs.

Retrofit super blocks and cul-de-sac street networks.