Cul-de-false-sense-of-security

Fast Company blog notes to the chagrin of developers that cul-de-sacs may be going the way of 8-track car players:

Earlier this year Virginia became the first state to encourage walkable neighborhoods by limiting the use of cul-de-sacs. State rules now require that subdivisions have through streets connecting them to adjacent residences and shopping areas. Developments that ignore the new rules will be denied snowplowing and other state services. Research shows that neighborhoods with more street connections and intersections reduce car use. Some of the country's most progressive-minded cities, including Portland, Oregon, and Austin, Texas, have also made it difficult to build new cul-de-sac subdivisions.

Jump to the blog to read more, like how the suburban cul-de-sanctum is practically an urban myth.