What was once considered a nice-to-have recreational amenity is being understood as essential infrastructure that must be connected and separated from vehicle traffic to maximize its functionality as a recreation and transportation asset. However, the supply of this infrastructure in the U.S. is limited and highly inequitable across race, ethnicity and income. At the same time, towns, cities, states and regions are grappling with complex challenges rooted in transportation, climate and the well-being of the people they serve. How places are designed—and whether they are safe and convenient for people to walk, bike and be active outside can make all the difference.
Read more at Next City.