enhance safety

2. Public space increases transport efficiency:

Public space can reduce congestion, travel time, and road accidents by designing and managing appropriate and distinct transport modes and prioritizing routes for walking and cycling. One of the fundamental functions of public space is that it allows people to move around and to gain access to areas on foot, by bicycle, by car, motorbike,or public transport. A key objective of urban design and management is, therefore, to reconcile the needs of these often conflicting modes of transport. Well-designed streets and public spaces encourage walking and cycling and have the power to create a safe environment by reducing vehicle speeds and use.11

Figure 4: public spaces increase transport efficiency; Source: Intelligent transport Figure5: Well-designed streets and public spaces encourage walking and cycling, London, UK; Source: Global Public space toolkit; UNO-Habitat

3. Public space improves public health:

Quality public spaces improve people’s health by providing opportunities for physical activity and play, making walking more attractive, reducing stress, and providing a calming environment. Access to a good-quality, well-maintained network of public spaces can help to improve physical and mental health by encouraging people to walk more, play, or simply enjoy the environment. In other words, open spaces are powerful weapons in the fight against many forms of ill-health.

11 Global Public Space Toolkit: From Global Principles to Local Policies and Practice (n1) 18