Smart Sidewalk Guide
Smart Sidewalk Guide
Authors: Suzy (Zekun) Li and Vivian Loftness
Research Assistants: Laura Lasariia, Manya Sharma, Xuan Peng, Sakshi Aparajit, Shreya Mathur, Fangyu Huang, and Xinyue Zhang
While the current state of our city sidewalks demonstrates the need for ongoing repairs to enhance walkability, it’s important to recognize that investing in sidewalks offers far more than just smoother paths. Such investments can address urban heat and flooding, while also supporting the rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure as part of public space planning.
This guide builds on the Smart Surfaces Guide, focusing specifically on sidewalk zones. It introduces a Smart Sidewalk Taxonomy that integrates green infrastructure, grey infrastructure, electric utilities, and underground systems—helping cities achieve resilience while upgrading sidewalk quality and installing EV charging stations. Designed as a reference for city policymakers, it aims to inform decision-making at the intersection of mobility, sustainability, and urban design.
About Our Sponsor — Leon Group
Leon Group specializes in inspection, testing, and certification services. In recent years, the company has expanded its offerings to include a range of sustainability services, such as ESG reporting and carbon trading initiatives. These services support the transition to a low‑carbon economy and promote sustainable business practices across various sectors. We extend our gratitude to Leon Group for their generous sponsorship, which made this guidebook possible.
Co-Authors
PhD-BPD Candidate & Graduate Instructor
University Professor & CBPD Co-Director
