Jeff Speck has dedicated his career to determining what makes cities thrive. And he has boiled it down to one key factor: walkability. The very idea of a modern metropolis evokes visions of bustling sidewalks, vital mass transit, and a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban core. But in the typical American city, the car is still king, and downtown is a place that's easy to drive to but often not worth arriving at. Making walkability happen is relatively easy and cheap; seeing exactly what needs to be done is the trick. In this essential new book, Speck reveals the invisible workings of the city, how simple decisions have cascading effects, and how we can all make the right choices for our communities. Bursting with sharp observations and real-world examples, giving key insight into what urban planners actually do and how places can and do change, Walkable City lays out a practical, necessary, and eminently achievable vision of how to make our normal American cities great again.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

A general theory of walkability Why walkability? Walking, the urban advantage ; Why Johnny can't walk ; The wrong color green - -The ten steps of walkability. The useful walk. Step 1, Put cars in their place ; Step 2, Mix the uses ; Step 3, Get the parking right ; Step 4, Let transit work The safe walk. Step 5, Protect the pedestrian ; Step 6, Welcome bikes

The comfortable walk. Step 7, Shape the spaces ; Step 8, Plant trees The interesting walk. Step 9, Make friendly and unique faces ; Step 10, Pick you winners.