HOW WALK, CYCLE, AND CONNECT CAN BE FURTHER ENHANCED Each of the previous principles is important in its own right for babies, toddlers, and caregivers. However, they are even more powerful when combined to enhance the public realm and create both places and journeys that foster warm, healthy interactions between caregiver and young child, reduce stress for both, and increase stimulation and engagement of the baby or toddler with their environment. Additional and intentional measures can further enhance the experience and enjoyment of babies, toddlers and caregivers walking, cycling, and interacting in public space. The principles of WALK, CYCLE, and CONNECT lay out the foundation for local mobility and ensure that the pedestrian realm is comfortable, accessible, and safe. To further promote healthy neighborhoods, planning for WALK, CYCLE, and CONNECT should be coupled with approaches for reducing interactions with cars and increasing interactions with nature and open space. Car-free neighborhoods and neighborhoods with limited access for cars improve health and relieve stress for families and caregivers tending young children. Green and blue infrastructure and natural elements act as natural buffers protecting pedestrians and cyclists from cars, make the air cleaner to breathe, and stimulate children’s healthy development. They are also necessary components for resiliency in the face of climate change and can help with extreme heat and weather events. They can be integrated with the systems of open spaces, pedestrian and cycle networks, and land use through design standards for streets and frontages.
source: ITDP
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