The benefits of mixed use and good connectivity

Text description of figure

The figure shows the benefits of mixed use and good connectivity urban environments. The first step is creating a mixed use and good connectivity environment, allied with a safe, comfortable street system, and a supportive social environment. This environment means:

• More convenient access to people, places, and activities. This has the social benefit of greater user satisfaction, and the economic benefits of increased land value (because of greater accessibility), and enhanced viability of secondary activity (through mixed primary use).
• Reduced need to use vehicles for access. This means reduced vehicle use. A social benefit of this is enhanced social equity from improved access for people who do not have access to a car.
• Reduced vehicle use. This has the environmental benefits of:
  • Less pollution
  • Energy savings
  • Less run-off
  • Reduced land-use
  • Reduced noise
  • Enhanced sense of safety.
• Increased walking and cycling. This has health benefits for users including reduced obesity, diabetes, cancer, depression and other illness.