Sidewalks are an important feature for streets. They allow safe, convenient means of traveling for both leisurely and non-leisurely activities. Walking is not a part of most Americans everyday life, and in many cases this is because it is not convenient or safe to do so. Obesity is quickly becoming an epidemic in American society; too many people are dependent on the automobile and do not get enough exercise. There is a direct correlation between convenient and safe places to walk or exercise and those who actually do exercise (Medical Letter 2003, p.16). Comfortable conditions are important for developing places where walking will occur. The Franklin Arterial is not preferable because of the lack of sidewalks, noise, pollution, and safety issues with traffic. There are also not many reasons to walk there other than to cross the road. Exchange Street on the other hand is in a mixed residential and commercial district where people live, work, and shop. There is limited traffic and the sidewalks are wide enough. If people feel comfortable walking somewhere then they will walk, if people feel uncomfortable walking somewhere then they will chose not to. American urban environments need to acknowledge this and begin building and adapting places that are pedestrian friendly.

There are many different qualities that can contribute to a sidewalk. Trees are perhaps the most common. Trees provide shade in the summer and allow in light in the winter. Green is a psychologically pleasing and relaxing color (Jacobs 1995, p.293). When spaced properly, generally 15 to 25 feet apart, they can help define the street and create a barrier between traffic zones (Jacobs 1995, p.294). It is important for the spacing of trees to be consistent. Spacing should not be stopped in order to provide for a driveway or a public access to a building, the street, as a whole needs to be considered before the individual parts.

            Street furniture enhances the function and beauty of a streetscape. Benches provide a place for pedestrians to rest and gather in public. Fountains and other civic monuments can be a good focal point for public gatherings. Streetlights are important for obvious reasons, but like tree and buildings it is important not to space them too far apart. Height is important, the higher the light the less illumination at ground level. Lights under 20 feet in height are necessary for a good street, but usually half that is best. Streetlights like buildings and trees can add definition to the street and should not be broken up and should be placed as regularly as trees. The general rule is more the better, but careful not to overcrowd. Stands and kiosks add to the diversity of the street. They are not necessary but give the street a certain character. In addition they are convenient for pedestrians. Picking up something to eat at lunch, or picking up a newspaper on the way to work adds to the community and diversity of the street.