Pedestrians

If you’re working in the transportation industry, you know there are basically two ways to contribute to the amazing shift in perspective going on in our country towards livable streets: Advocacy or Consultancy.  On one hand, you can work with a non-profit organization or advocacy group to push the envelope and make a stir.  This is the perceived over-the-top approach because the norm is so far away from where things could really be.  For example, in a saner world, the Critical Mass bike rides that have long rubbed New York City Police the wrong way would not be necessary because thousands of bicyclists would already be respected and given appropriate space on city streets.  But someone has to scream “Wake Up!”  On the other hand, you can choose to work “from the inside

March 12, 2009 - Ian Sacs

A week ago I spent some time with Enrique Peñalosa, urban strategist and provocateur. North Americans don’t often look south for innovation, but Peñalosa made remarkable changes in the public environment as Mayor of the city of Bogotá, Colombia. Nearly impeached for his actions to push cars aside in favor of people, now he is invited to provoke and inspire others.  “We have Environmental Impact Statements; why don’t we have Human Impact statements,” is a sampling from last week.

February 17, 2009 - Barbara Knecht

New York Magazine's list of reasons to love New York includes a nod to the city's streets and their recent renovation into pedestrian- and bike-friendly thoroughfares.

December 17, 2008 - New York Magazine

This piece from Worldchanging looks at recent efforts by cities to "reconquer" streets by making them (temporarily, at least) pedestrianized and closed off to car traffic.

December 15, 2008 - WorldChanging

In this editorial, Ibne Ahmad of Rawalpindi, Pakistan claims that cars are significantly impacting the quality of life there, and that pedestrians and public space need to be reclaimed for the sake of equality.

October 6, 2008 - The News International

Temporary street closures for pedestrian use -- an idea that spawned in Bogota, Colombia -- are occurring in cities all over the world. The trend is expected to continue.

August 18, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced plans for car-free days on a nearly 7-mile section of road in Manhattan.

August 9, 2008 - The New York Times

For six hours this Sunday, streets in North Portland will be off-limits to cars.

June 18, 2008 - The Oregonian

In an effort to increase livability, New York City will test a 6.9 mile car-free corridor during the month of August.

June 17, 2008 - The New York Times

Will laser-projected pedestrians make crossing the street safer in South Korea?

May 30, 2008 - Streetsblog

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is considering a plan to temporarily close down certain streets to car traffic, creating public space for pedestrians -- similar to the successful Ciclovia that takes place weekly in Bogota, Colombia.

May 25, 2008 - The Examiner

One Philadelphia councilman wants his city to follow the lead of more pedestrian-friendly New York and ensure that construction projects don't interfere with sidewalks.

April 13, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

American commercial streets are often designed almost exclusively for cars; streets are often as many as eight or ten lanes wide, lengthening pedestrian trips and encouraging motorists to drive at speeds unsafe for pedestrians.

April 8, 2008 - Michael Lewyn

This video from StreetFilm shows the extensive traffic calming efforts taken by one beach community in Australia.

March 19, 2008 - Streetsblog