One neighborhood in Colorado has taken on drunk driving using common sense. In a story reported here, a community in Bradburn, Colorado, has used suburban planning and neighborhood design to keep its residents safe and out of jail, as well as address other drawbacks to living in the suburbs. The problem that the neighborhood has solved is this: People are going to drink alcohol, and do it in groups, no matter what the law or obstacles. In the suburbs, this means someone has to drive to and from the drinking establishment/location. Thus, the driver is at risk for a DUI accusation.
To prevent its residents from needing to drive somewhere to drink and socialize, the neighborhood designed all homes to have a large front porch, close to the sidewalk, and put the garages in the back. This increases the numbers of people on their front porches hanging out. They have also eliminated any cul-de-sacs and built the neighborhood on a grid system, which increases the numbers of people passing by these front porches walking or driving. Most importantly, the neighborhood holds a party every Friday in the neighborhood park where residents can drink beer and wine while their children play. There are also a number of smaller parks and green spaces within the development where neighbors can socialize. So, each week, friends and neighbors can get together and drink and socialize without ever getting in a car.
Another extremely important element to reduce the need for driving, is that the neighborhood has obtained mixed use zoning permits which allow bars and restaurants to be built near the neighborhood. The Bradburn, Colorado neighbors have 3 bars and 15 restaurants within a short walking distance. Almost all suburban cities have strict zoning laws which keep residential areas separate from commercial areas. This forces people to drive to get to the places they want to go, including bars and restaurants. So, in this neighborhood, mixed use zoning eliminates this common suburban issue, as well as adds to the charm of the area.
The final piece of the puzzle is that the City of Denver, where ths neighborhood is located, is aggressively putting in light rail to connect the city with the suburbs. This is forward thinking for a lot of obvious reasons, including reducing the need to drive for social occasions.
I thought this neighborhood plan was interesting because it solves a lot of issues in a very easy way using good design. It encourages neighbors to know each other and to socialize, which not only makes for a nicer friendlier neighborhood, but reduces all crime. It recognizes a common human desire to drink alcohol and hang out with friends, yet discourages drinking an driving. Finally, it recognizes that the best places in America, and most of the rest of the world, have restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc. inside or very close to residential areas. This makes for a vibrant, exciting and convenient neighborhood.
The Kansas City metro area could sure use this kind of commone sense development. We can’t even get light rail built, much less taxis or other public transportation out in the ‘burbs. If you live in a place like Overland Park or Leawood, Kansas, or Blue Springs, Missouri, you are going to have to drive to go out to eat or to a bar (that is why all the bars are required by law to have parking lots). If you get a Kansas DUI or Missouri DWI, you will likely lose your driving privileges and then you are really stuck in the suburbs. At least in Bradford, Colorado someone is trying to reduce these risks for suburban residents and provide a nicer neighborhood living experience.