Recently there has been a lot of discussion about safety in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, the term "walkability" is being tossed around quite a bit when discussing neighborhood design. With both safety and walkability in mind, I have to wonder, "What ever happened to sidewalks?"
There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of homes in the newer neighborhoods like we have in Ward 12 where there is no alley access and no sidewalk along the road in front of the homes. If someone, including a child, wants to walk to school, the store, or just take a leisurely stroll, it is IMPOSSIBLE to do so without either trespassing through the front yards of your neighbors or walking into the street (and maybe between parked cars).
I'd like to see any discussion about community walkability and safety include a discussion on the requirement for sidewalks when neighborhoods are designed. Am I off base or on the right track? Feel free to let me know.