Sidewalks
Sidewalk Busted? Fix it Yourself
The city of Los Angeles is considering a plan to stop paying for repairs to broken sidewalks and driveways, shifting the economic burden to property owners.
Completing the Grid to Improve Walkability
Grist's David Roberts maps out why his neighborhood is not walkable and how it could be greatly improved with just a little extra infrastructural connectivity.
Fast Lanes for Pedestrians?
The sidewalks of Portland are so busy that the city is developing plans to create 6'-8' Pedestrian Zones—basically, fast lanes for moving pedestrians separate from other street activities.
Sidewalks Emerge in Jordan's Capital
Seemingly simple, the Jordanian city of Amman has finally managed to build walkable sidewalks.
Where the (Concrete) Sidewalk Ends
When you think of sidewalks, you most likely think of concrete. Though it makes up the vast majority of sidewalks, concrete isn't the only game in town.
Skywalks Sprout in Mumbai
The streets of Mumbai are packed with pedestrians. With few sidewalks and little room for the growing masses of walkers, city officials are looking to beat the pedestrian congestion by building overhead "skywalks" to bring people above the street.
Toronto Street Furniture Program Blasted
The city of Toronto is rolling out a new street furniture program. Lisa Rochon calls the new additions to the city's sidewalks an "assault on civic life".
Sidewalk Design Vehicle
A few days ago I posted a blog that discussed the concept of Universal Design (transportation facilities designed to accommodate all possible users, including those with disabilities and other special needs) and the value it provides to individuals and communities. One way to approach this issue is to define the design vehicle for pedestrian facilities.
Can "Walkable" and "Bucolic" Go Hand in Hand?
There is controversy over new sidewalk laws in Washington, DC.
Making Property Owners Pay for Sidewalks
Los Angeles sidewalks are in an advanced state of disrepair, with little to no funds available. A new proposal in front of the city council puts the burden on new property buyers.
A Different Kind of New York Street Conversion 100 Years Ago
While New York City is currently taking space away from automobiles and giving it to pedestrians and cyclists, the New York City of 100 years ago was doing exactly the opposite. And it was a popular idea.
Sidewalks Key Factor Influencing Physical Activity
A new study provides further evidence that incorporating sidewalks into existing neighborhoods is a practical and inexpensive way of encouraging people to exercise.
Walkability Around Schools Dwindling
As more parents drive their kids to school, areas around campuses have become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians. Narrow sidewalks and too-few crosswalks are partly to blame.
Thanksgiving
Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I thought I would ask myself: what I am thankful for that is related to urbanism?
Concrete Poems
St. Paul, Minnesota's artist-in-residence has instituted a program where poems are imprinted into sidewalks throughout the city.
What More 'Livable Streets' Could Mean for New York
This article from The New York Observer looks at how New York City might be different with more "livable streets".
Friday Funny: Pedestrian Planner is Hell on Wheels
By day, Nicole Losch works on the Sidewalk Strategic Plan for Burlington Public Works. But in the evenings, look out.
Best Ideas of the Week
From public transit to public parks to public space, this past week brought a lot of interesting and innovative ideas in the world of urban planning.
In Mumbai, Pedestrians Protest Lack Of Sidewalks
Fed up with crowded or non-existent sidewalks, pedestrians in Mumbai are taking to the streets to get more attention on the issue of dangerous walking conditions.
Keeping Construction Projects From Blocking Sidewalks
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.
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.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
