New urban roadway form in China: A case study for Kunming

One way couplets have been implemented as alternatives to big urban roads for better traffic progression in many western countries. While in many Chinese cities, the dominant superblock development pattern has created numerous giant urban streets which are major pedestrian and bike barriers. Simulation and analysis illustrate the significant benefits of implementing one-way couplet streets and reducing block sizes in new development or redevelopment areas within Chinese cities. Results indicate that one-way couplets with fine-grain grid can achieve operational and safety benefits for both vehicular traffic, pedestrian and bike users compared to giant two-way streets with superblocks. An operation analysis comparing conventional superblocks to couplets through a case study in the Chenggong New Town area of Kunming, China is presented.