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Virginia’s Cul-de-sac Ban Named Design Idea of 2009

There’s nothing more quintessentially suburban than the cul-de-sac. There’s also nothing more antithetical to smart growth or bicycle-friendly design. In 2009, Virginia became the first state to restrict the dead-end street design that limits through traffic and is an obstacle to biking and walking. Virginia’s new rules require developments to have certain levels of connectivity in order to receive state maintenance and snowplow services. The New York Times recently named Virginia’s Cul-de-Sac Ban one of their Design Ideas of 2009. According to the Virginia Bicycle Federation, “We agree! While cul-de-sac neighborhoods are perceived as safer, they force cyclists and pedestrians onto busy arterial roads and make trips within the neighborhood much longer – undoubtedly contributing to the decline in biking and walking over the last 30 years. We’re very pleased that Virginia is taking the lead with this issue.” More info at vabike.org/cul-de-sac-ban-idea-of-the-year