The Transportation Effects of Neo-Traditional Development

Abstract

Neo-traditional development emphasizes a return to the grid patterns and walkable streets of the early part of this century. Proponents claim that it will lead to increased walking and decreased driving. This literature review examines general transportation behavior and trends and the feasibility of the neo-traditional concept to evaluate these claims. Neo-traditional developments will reduce driving significantly only if they provide levels of access that are comparable with existing suburban access. This will require that people live in neo-traditional developments, that a wide range of activities is within walking distance, and that people choose not to drive. The greatest effects can be expected for shopping trips in areas where there are few available shopping centers and for other nonwork trips that can be accomplished on foot in neo-traditional developments. By providing street networks based on a grid, neo-traditional developments may reduce congestion on main streets and may reduce automobile travel times.