A cul-de-sac is a street, lane, or passage closed at one end, also known as a dead-end street or no exit road. It is designed to limit through-traffic in residential areas and is added to road layouts in urban planning for this purpose. Cul-de-sacs can have a circular end, and in the United States and other countries, the term "cul-de-sac" is often used to refer to dead ends with a circular end. In Australia and Canada, they are usually referred to as a court when they have a bulbous end. While some cul-de-sacs provide no possible passage except in and out of their road entry, others allow cyclists, pedestrians, or other non-automotive traffic to pass through connecting easements or paths.
Living on a cul-de-sac has its pros and cons. The pros include limited road traffic, safety for children, and a close-knit neighborhood. The cons include not being easily accessible in an emergency, the street turning into a noisy playground, and neighbors behaving inconsiderately.
