Walking
Johannesburg's Auto-Orientation and the Persecution of the Pedestrian Majority
You really need to almost get hit by a car to feel like a true Johannesburg pedestrian. That's the way it goes here. A huge, sprawling greater metropolitan area of about 10 million people covering more than 600 square miles, the city is built for the car. And if you're not in one, good luck.
L.A. Has More Bike and Ped Share Than Portland
Ryan Bradley takes a walk across Los Angeles to reflect on the city's transportation history.
Healthy Community Planning - What's It Worth?
We live in a wonderful age! Scientists have proven that many simple, affordable, and often enjoyable activities make us healthier and happier: breath fresh air, avoid dangerous driving, be physically active, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, maintain friendships, play games, and avoid excessive stress. Even chocolate, red wine and sex are perscribed, in moderation, for health sake.
Designing Walkable Urban Thoroughfares
That's the title of a new report from CNU and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) that attempts to right the wrongs of the car-centric street design of the past 75 years.
LaHood Defends Administration's Pro-Bike & Walk Agenda
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood explains the new emphasis on 'livable and sustainable communities', and walking and biking, calling it a 'game changer' in this short but informative Q & A with the New York Times in its Green Inc. blog.
Biking The TIGER
Bicycling and walking advocates should also be happy about the new TIGER grants - almost half of the funded projects included funding for bike and ped infrastructure.
Denser Communities = More Calories Burned
Dr. Lawrence Frank (U. of British Columbia) et.al. looked at Atlanta to make the connection between health reform and transportation reform, devising a clever 'energy index'. While the index rose in denser neighborhoods, it didn't in mixed-use ones.
A State-by-State Look at Biking and Walking
A new report from the Alliance for Biking & Walking takes a state-by-state look at the cycling and walking community, safety statistics, and investment figures.
NY Study Links Walking and Biking to Better Health
Survey data released by the New York City Department of Health indicate a strong correlation between active transportation and better health.
The Park Prescription
One doctor has begun advising her patients to simply take a walk in the park to improve their overall health. And as she describes in this article, she's not alone.
Barriers to Walking
This report from NPR briefly looks at causes for concern, when it comes to the decline in walking in the US, including safety and obesity.
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.
Ban on Biking and Walking to School May Be Lifted
A 15-year-old ban on biking and walking to school in Saratoga Springs, New York may be lifted, after one bike-friendly parent challenged the policy.
Debate Over Letting Kids Walk To School
The New York Times goes over the debate over whether it is acceptable to let children walk to school nowadays. The topic has many parents expressing mixed feelings about the issue.
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.
Nobody Walks in Dubai
The United Arab Emirates has plenty of tall, flashy buildlings, but the rush to build has largely left street life scarce in many parts.
Students Give Up Wheels for Their Own Two Feet
This piece from the New York Times looks at a program in Italy the encourages children to walk to school.
Sweet Spot Density for Livable Neighborhoods
Single-family detached homes typically epitomize sprawl, while 4 or 5 story apartment buildings now seem to be the utopian ideal for livable neighborhoods. But some of the most livable and walkable neighborhoods I know are largely comprised of single family homes.
Cars Left Behind in Most Trips to Vancouver's Core
A recent study shows that about 60% of all trips into the urban core of Vancouver are not by car.
Seniors Facing High Gas Prices Find Giving Up Their Cars Tough
AARP finds that 29% of older Americans polled say they are now walking as a way to avoid high gas prices, but 40% say the sidewalks in their area are inadequate.
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
