The Vital Connection Between Security and Public Wellbeing
As urban populations grow, creating safe and secure public spaces has never been more critical. Today, enhancing security in public spaces is not only about crime prevention—it’s also essential for promoting public health and encouraging physical activity.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the value of exercise in combating health issues like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Encouraging socially distanced physical activity in urban environments is vital—but people are far less likely to use these spaces if they don’t feel safe.
Urban Design and Physical Activity
The built environment plays a key role in influencing how people move through cities. Numerous studies show that pedestrian-friendly urban designs are directly associated with lower obesity rates. In contrast, sprawling cities that prioritize car travel tend to limit opportunities for walking and cycling.
To support more active lifestyles, cities need to offer inviting, accessible, and above all—secure—public spaces. Yet security is often overlooked in urban planning, even though it’s a major factor that shapes how people use outdoor environments.
Security: A Barrier to Activity?
Fear of crime and violence is a common reason why individuals avoid exercising in public spaces. Whether it’s a poorly lit pathway or a lack of secure bicycle storage at workplaces, real and perceived safety concerns can significantly reduce public engagement with urban spaces.
Small design improvements can make a big difference. For example:
- Lighting pedestrian routes to mimic daylight levels can increase usage by up to 38%.
- Illuminating cycle paths can boost usage by as much as 62%.
These enhancements show how thoughtful design directly reduces fear and increases the amount of time people are willing to spend outdoors.
Designing with People in Mind
Urban design must start with a deep understanding of how people perceive and experience safety. A people-centered security design approach incorporates:
- Public risk perception
- Visual audits of surrounding environments
- Formal threat and risk assessments
Through this lens, designers can identify and mitigate risks early in the planning process—ensuring spaces are not only functional and beautiful but also secure and welcoming.
Risk Assessment for Safer Cities
Effective risk assessments determine:
- What security risks exist in a space
- To what extent these risks can be mitigated
- Which security measures are most appropriate
These assessments must be contextual, involving local security stakeholders and experts to adapt to the specific needs of the community.
Recent security incidents in urban centers have emphasized the urgency of integrating safety considerations into public space design. As Richard Bond, Associate at Arup, notes, securing public spaces is fundamental to the wellbeing of the people who use them.
Building Healthier Cities Through Security
With cities becoming increasingly dense, urban public spaces must evolve to support both movement and safety. Designing secure spaces that promote physical activity and allow for social distancing can lead to significant public health benefits.
Key advantages of safe, active public environments include:
- Improved physical and mental health
- Lower levels of sedentary behavior
- Reduced healthcare costs
- More resilient and connected communities
Urban planners and designers have a clear opportunity—and responsibility—to enhance security in public spaces as a foundation for healthy, sustainable, and prosperous cities.
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