An MIT research group has assembled a routable dataset of sidewalks, crosswalks, and footpaths for all of New York City — a massive mapping project and the first complete model of pedestrian activity in any U.S. city.
The model could help planners determine where to invest in pedestrian infrastructure and public space, and illuminate how development decisions may affect non-motorised travel in the city. The study also helps pinpoint locations throughout the city where there are both high pedestrian volumes and hazards, such as traffic crashes, and where streets or intersections are most in need of upgrades.
“We now have a first view of foot traffic all over New York City and can check planning decisions against it. New York has very high densities of foot traffic outside of its most well-known areas.”
Andres Sevtsuk, Associate Professor in MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP), who led the study.
Read about this study here.
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