Streetmix is a powerful online tool that allows anyone—from city planners to concerned residents—to create street cross-section diagrams. It’s especially useful when advocating for improvements at dangerous intersections where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers face safety risks. With Streetmix, you can visualize traffic-calming strategies like narrower lanes, protected bike paths, raised crosswalks, and median islands—all from your browser.
Step 1: Start with a Problematic Layout
Visit streetmix.net. Use the default template or recreate a problematic intersection layout from your neighborhood. Focus on common hazards such as overly wide lanes, missing crosswalks, or lack of curb extensions.
Step 2: Add Safety Features
Drag and drop key segments to create safer intersections. Consider including:
- Narrower travel lanes to slow traffic
- Protected bike lanes separated by buffers or bollards
- Wider sidewalks and dedicated pedestrian zones
- Median islands to help pedestrians cross in two stages
- Street trees and furniture to improve visibility and traffic calming
Step 3: Adjust Lane Widths and Crosswalk Placement
Click any segment to adjust its width and description. A narrower street layout typically encourages drivers to slow down. You can label crosswalks, bus stops, and turning lanes clearly to simulate the exact conditions of the intersection you want to improve.
Step 4: Export and Share Your Safer Design
Once your redesign is complete, click the export button to download your design as a PNG or SVG image. Share the design on community forums, with local transportation agencies, or in public meetings to advocate for change.
Examples of Redesign Goals
- Eliminate blind corners by adding curb bump-outs
- Slow turning vehicles with tighter corner radii
- Improve pedestrian visibility with daylighting
- Add mid-block crossings and pedestrian refuge islands
- Reallocate space from excess lanes to protected bike or bus lanes
Real-World Use for Advocacy
Streetmix isn’t just for professionals. Many community groups and concerned citizens use it to propose changes that reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. Pair your diagram with a report, photo evidence, or collision statistics from sites like BadIntersections.com to build a stronger case for redesign.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
Streetmix is a visualization tool. It does not calculate traffic volumes, drainage, or regulatory compliance. Use it as a communication aid—not a substitute for engineering review.
Final Thoughts
Designing safer intersections starts with a clear vision. With Streetmix, you can turn that vision into a visual plan that gets attention. Whether you're redesigning a dangerous crosswalk or calming a fast-moving arterial road, this tool empowers you to show city officials exactly what needs to change—lane by lane.