Description
Personal Security refers to freedom from risk of assault, theft and vandalism. Such risks can discourage walking, cycling and transit travel. These problems can be addressed through various programs and design strategies that increase security. These can include Neighborhood Watch and community policing programs, special police patrols (including police on foot and bicycles), pedestrian escorts, and monitoring of pedestrian, bicycle, transit and Park & Ride facilities. Transit agencies can implement special programs to increase rider security.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is concerned with landscape and building design strategies to maximize personal safety. Local police or CPTED specialists may be trained to perform “safety audits” that identify opportunities to reduce crime risk and help users feel secure. For example, public paths are more secure if located near residences, which provide passive surveillance. Lighting and vegetation should be located and maintained to ensure good sight lines, minimal places to hide, and ensure paths are visible to surrounding areas. The placement of bicycle parking facilities should also be well considered to reduce the likelihood of bicycle theft.
Public safety tends to increase if residents have a sense of community, opportunities to interact with neighbors, and are encouraged to take responsibility for the area where they live (LGC, 2001). This can be encouraged by providing places and reasons for residents to interact on a regular basis, including pocket parks, community gardens and corner stores. Traffic Calming and other pedestrian-oriented design features can make streets more attractive to people, encour
