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Strategy 1.2
Street Grids

Well-planned street grids (i.e., with suitable block sizes and a legible hierarchy of street types) are crucial to create a positive pedestrian experience. People living with dementia benefit from a well-connected street grid, which makes it easier for people to navigate and find their way.

Actions under this strategy:

Strategy 1.2
Street grids

  • Differentiate main streets, side streets, laneways, and walking paths through design (i.e., width, pedestrian infrastructure, and signage). 

  • Design pedestrian routes that avoid busy main streets.

Provide a clear hierarchy of streets

1.2.1

Vancouver’s streets follow a clear hierarchy. Illustration: Happy Cities

  • Create blocks that are 100-150 metres long per side. This distance equals around 2-4 minutes of walking time. 

  • Where large blocks exist, break them up with mid-block pedestrian connections and crosswalks.

Provide access to local commerce and small shops

1.2.2

Small street blocks help people navigate their neighbourhoods more easily. Illustration: Happy Cities

Well-planned street grids (i.e., with suitable block sizes and a legible hierarchy of street types) are crucial to create a positive pedestrian experience. People living with dementia benefit from a well-connected street grid, which makes it easier for people to navigate and find their way.

Actions under this strategy:

Varied grid pattern in Detroit. Illustration: Happy Cities

Create a varied grid pattern

1.2.3

  • Consider adding some variety in block size and shape to aid wayfinding.

  • Where possible, avoid monotonous blocks that lack distinctiveness. Repetitive grids can feel confusing for people living with dementia.

A gently winding pedestrian street in Logroño, Spain. Photo: Isabel Garcia / Happy Cities

Create gently winding and connected streets

1.2.4

  • Where longer blocks are unavoidable, creating gently winding streets. Winding blocks provide a sightline for better navigation and wayfinding.

Dementia-inclusive principles:

Legible: Clear and connected streets allow pedestrians to navigate the environment with ease.