The short block faces make for a lively streetscape, but they also mean many crossings, and the signals are timed for automobile rather than walking speeds. The couplets of one-way streets also privilege cars at the expense of pedestrians. These four-lane thoroughfares increase capacity for cars, encourage drivers to accelerate and make more engine noise. These street conditions are stressful to walkers. Exhaust fumes, engine noise and wind disturbances from fast cars discourage people from congregating on the sidewalk and are a significant factor in the lackluster retail activity downtown.
Faster cars turn fast and drivers are less likely to see people walking across the street.