What is a public way in urban planning?

A public way in urban planning refers to areas that are accessible to the public for travel and transportation. This can include various forms of infrastructure that facilitate movement within urban environments, such as streets, roads, and paths. A public way is typically owned and maintained by a governmental entity, ensuring that it is available for public use and meeting certain safety standards.

The concept emphasizes the importance of accessibility in urban design, as it fosters connectivity between different areas, encourages social interaction, and supports economic activity by allowing people to travel freely. The classification as a "public way" indicates that it is legally recognized for public travel, as opposed to private roads which are restricted to specific users.

While highways and sidewalks are indeed parts of public transportation infrastructure, the designation of "public way" encompasses a broader range of transportation routes and is not limited to specific types of pathways. Therefore, the answer accurately reflects the definition of a public way in the context of urban planning.