NACTO-GDCI’s work is informed by the strategies and international best practices captured in the Global Street Design Guide (GSDG).
Published in 2017, this resource has set a global baseline for designing streets and public spaces while redefining the role of streets in a rapidly urbanizing world. The Guide broadens how to measure the success of urban streets to include access, safety and mobility for all users, environmental quality, economic benefit, public health and overall quality of life.

Created with the input of 72 cities in 42 countries, the GSDG presents 21 street typologies and 50 unique street and intersection transformations applicable worldwide. With over 40 case studies, it shows in actionable terms how to redesign streets to put people first. From moving more people with transit lanes, to dedicating space for vibrant economic activity like street vendors, this new global toolkit is applicable to a variety of contexts worldwide.
The Guide builds on NACTO’s successful Urban Street Design Guide, Urban Bikeway Design Guide, and Transit Street Design Guide, expanding from a North American context to address a variety of street typologies and design elements found around the world.