Sidewalks
All We Want for the Holidays is…
Here are a dozen timely gift ideas for creating better communities.
California Governor Vetoes Sidewalk Cycling Bill
The law would have allowed people to bike on sidewalks on roadways that lack safe bikeways.
Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.
Appreciating the Spaces That Connect Us
Often overlooked, liminal spaces like front porches and sidewalks can boost social connections.
Connecticut Launches Complete Streets Standards
The new policy calls for sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks on state roads and state-funded road projects.
Completing Sidewalk Networks: Benefits and Costs
Many communities have incomplete or inadequate sidewalk networks that fail to accommodate all users. A new study indicates that completing sidewalk networks is one of the most basic and cost effective transportation improvements.
Chicago Approves Sidewalk Clearing Pilot
The new program will develop plans for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice to improve accessibility.
A Fair Share for Walking
Most people value walkability, yet most communities underinvest in pedestrian facilities. Some jurisdictions are investing more in sidewalks and crosswalks in order to better serve community values.
Provincetown Proposes New Car-Free Trail
An underused highway could become a pedestrian and bike trail connecting the Cape Cod town to its beaches.
Houston Debates Shared Driveway Requirement
A proposed rule would require developers to build shared driveways for narrow lot projects.
Court Rules Against Nashville Sidewalk Ordinance
The city can no longer require developers to pay for or build sidewalks.
Mapping Sidewalks for Improved Connectivity
A new tool uses aerial image recognition to map a city’s sidewalks and crosswalks. Its developers hope it will aid in creating a more comprehensive understanding of pedestrian networks and where improvements are needed.
Chicago Could Start Plowing Sidewalks Next Winter
Keeping sidewalks free of snow has historically been the task of adjacent property owners, forcing pedestrians and people with mobility challenges to navigate a patchwork of conditions. A new ordinance would place the responsibility on the city.
St. Louis Pledges to Repair Sidewalks. Residents Have Heard it Before.
A $6 million program takes aim at a backlog of thousands of requests for sidewalk maintenance, but critics say requiring property owners to foot half of the bill excludes less affluent neighborhoods.
Where Washington Students Lack Safe Walking Routes
In many rural and suburban Washington state communities, children who walk or bike to school don’t have access to safe, adequate pedestrian facilities.
New York Hires ‘Public Space Czar’
The public space officer will be in charge of making the city’s sidewalks more pedestrian-friendly while keeping streets clean and accessible.
Houston Considering a ‘Sidewalk-In-Lieu-Fee’ for Residential Projects
Developers and homeowners might be able to opt-out of the Houston’s sidewalk ordinance under legislation under consideration by the Houston City Council this week.
Fort Worth Could Start Contributing to Sidewalk Repair Costs
A proposal in the city council could shift the burden of sidewalk repairs away from property owners, who are currently responsible for 100 percent of expenses.
Why Accessible Sidewalks Fall by the Wayside
Despite the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act more than 30 years ago, most U.S. cities delay making accessibility improvements to sidewalks until activists bring them to court.
Sacramento Voters to Decide on Using Lawsuits to Reclaim Sidewalks
Measure O may be one of the first ballot measures of its kind to empower residents to take legal action against a city for illegal encampments on city property. The Sacramento City Council voted 7-2 on August 9 to place the ordinance before voters.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
