Many times, in designing with a particular purpose in mind, many things can be overlooked. This is the case in the designing of the roads for speeding cars, when the pedestrians and the other users of the road are not taken into account. Many people are killed every day because of these issues. The infrastructure in many parts of the United States is not well taken care of, therefore pedestrians and bicyclist are kept away from performing activities, such as walking and biking, that are very important for their health and well-being.
Studies have shown that pedestrian paths and cycling lanes increase the level of walking and biking in a community. Outside of Charleston, SC, a three mile path and a bridge have been built, constructions that accommodate pedestrians, and bikers. Also, the Arthur Ravenel Bridge connects the Charleston peninsula with a town in South Carolina. The initial project was designed without the pedestrian paths and bike lanes. Protests and strikes, supported even by the Charleston Mayor had the architects relook at the plan, and add these amenities.
Charleston, SC bridge
Dangerous designs, such as the road designed for the high speed cars, with no sidewalks or bike lanes, occur all the time. Danger is not rare in design, but with careful observation of the people those things are designed for, the danger can be minimized.
For more information, visit: http://www.transact.org/PDFs/2009-11-09-Dangerous%20by%20Design.pdf
Works Cited:http://pixdaus.com/single.php?id=41548
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