Summary
Danau Kota School Streets initiative in Kuala Lumpur reimagines streets around the school as safer, more accessible, and child friendly public spaces. Supported by the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), and developed in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Global Design Cities Initiative (GDCI), the project responds to unsafe conditions due to high vehicle speeds, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and limited space for children.
Following a structured process of community engagement, site analysis, co design, and pilot implementation, the intervention introduced new green areas, widened sidewalks, redesigned crossings, traffic calming measures, and more public space, reclaiming over 1,300 m² for pedestrian use.
The transformation delivered measurable results: average vehicle speeds were reduced by up to 50%, aligning with global road safety standards, and pedestrian activity increased by 62.4%. These outcomes demonstrate how data driven, participatory street redesign can significantly improve safety, encourage active travel, and create more welcoming environments for children and the wider community.
Key aspects
-
Data‑driven and problem‑led intervention
Responds to unsafe conditions through site analysis, identifying risks related to speed, infrastructure, and space. -
Participatory and iterative design process
Combines community engagement, co‑design, and pilot implementation to test and refine solutions. -
Reclaiming street space for safety and everyday use
Introduces traffic calming, improved crossings, and expanded pedestrian areas to prioritise children and local users. -
Measurable impact on safety and behaviour
Delivers significant reductions in vehicle speeds and strong increases in pedestrian activity.