Saturday, August 30, 2014

How much vehicle traffic should a main street have?

Westmoreland district, Portland. Image: Ashley Brandt

Picture a vibrant neighborhood business district in an American city – one that’s located outside of the downtown area. Or, envision the main street of one of your favorite small towns. Think cafes, restaurants with sidewalk seating, quirky stores, street trees, two- to four-story buildings close to the sidewalk, people strolling about.

Now, what is the car traffic like? Is it busy? Too busy? Not busy enough? Moving too fast? Not moving at all? Or is it just right?