Street Design Tool
Street Design Tool
The tool incorporates key elements of the Ethiopia Urban Street Design Manual, prepared by the Ministry of Urban Development and Infrastructure in partnership with the Ethiopian Roads Authority, Road Safety and Insurance Fund Service, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, with support from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, UN-Habitat, and the UN Road Safety Fund.
The manual and accompanying online tool are intended to facilitate the design of streets that serve all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transport passengers, motorists, and goods transporters.
Designing for safety
Complete street design, including the provision of footpaths, crossings, and traffic calming, is crucial in managing motor vehicle speeds and creating a safe walking and cycling environment.
Complete designs should prioritise movement of people over private vehicles and ensure city residents get to where they want to go, efficiently, conveniently, and safely.
Universal access
Universal access is the concept of designing transport services and environments that as many people as possible can use, regardless of age or ability. Streets designed according to universal access principles accommodate assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities. An accessible environment has ample, well connected pedestrian facilities with unobstructed space for movement, consistent pavement surfaces, appropriately sloped ramps, and safe pedestrian crossings.
Gender sensitive designs
Until recently, transportation planning tended to take a "one-size-fits-all" approach, assuming that men and women would benefit equally from improvements in transportation. In fact, women and men have different expectations from the transport system and their views on safety. Inclusive designs help improve the experience of women and girls, making it easier to walk, bike or use public transport.
Street network planning
Effective street networks provide connectivity for multiple users. Street networks should offer fine-grained connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Street networks also facilitate public transport operations and motorised traffic movement at moderate speeds.
The starting point for a complete network is public transport, such as a BRT or LRT corridor or a public taxi services. Pedestrian and cycling links provide convenient access to public transport stops and local amenities. A greenway network supports active mobility and provides a high-quality recreational space. Cycleways provide safe and comfortable passage for cyclists. A network for drivers offers access for motor vehicles, but it does not define the neighbourhood.
Street elements
Street elements demand detailed planning and need to be customised to fit the local context. Choosing the right proportion and location for a street element is important because all of the elements interact with one another.
Partners
