Without Sidewalks, Making Seattle Streets More Pedestrian Friendly

Over a quarter of city blocks lack sidewalk infrastructure. An advocacy project to reduce traffic speeds and increase pedestrian safety on these streets has evolved into a city-funded program.

1 minute read

November 7, 2019, 12:00 PM PST

By Camille Fink


Sidewalk

Free-Photos / Pixabay

In Seattle, 45,000 blocks lack sidewalks, and last year the Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, a neighborhood-based, volunteer coalition, launched a DIY program to make streets safer for pedestrians. "The concept is called Home Zones and is meant to create 'living streets' that can be shared between cars and people," writes Emily Nonko.

After a Home Zones pilot program in a north Seattle neighborhood, the Seattle City Council allocated $350,000 for an expanded program. "The greater vision of Home Zones, according to [Gordon] Padelford, is installing a combination of speed humps, traffic diverters, wayfinding signage and public artwork — lower-cost options in lieu of sidewalks," notes Nonko.

The Seattle Department of Transportation is overseeing the official pilot program, which will be implemented in two neighborhoods. But advocates say progress has been slow and the program still has not been fully funded. They also want to see more funding in next year’s city budget for implementable low-cost alternatives to sidewalks.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in Next City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report

Grandparents sitting on bench with young girl and boy, girl holding ball and boy holding ukelele.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan

As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.

April 29 - Source NM