This Week on Foot

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Photo courtesy of www.mnn.com

This week we're reminded that for For Pedestrians, Cities Have Become the Wilderness--and The Pedestrian Is a Fragile Species in that wilderness. But some places are taking measures to save the pedestrian from extinction. There are Pedestrian crosswalk, other safety measures on the table for stretch of Ann Arbor-Saline Road where woman died, and a Panel looks to boost pedestrian safety one year after death of 8-year-old Max Wipfli in Wisconsin.

And that's not all. There's a Bike-pedestrian trail plan coming together for Shawano, NLR’s Park Hill to hold ‘walkability workshop’ in Arkansas, the City plans to build sidewalks in older neighborhoods in Las Vegas, and a Breakthrough for Norfolk pedestrian crossing campaigners. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians can take the high road to safety in Pittsburgh, and a New Fort Myers Beach committee tackles pedestrian safety. Heck, It’s now Pedestrian Sunday! in Bhutan. Bhutan!

Of course, there's always a dingy lining to the silver cloud--particularly outside the US this week. In India Bhikaji Cama Place a symbol of ‘utter disdain for public property’: Accessibility audit is necessary! And in Namibia: Pedestrians Should Change Mindset according to this article-- and admit roads are for cars, not people. It makes you wonder, Should Pedestrians be Forced onto Roads? Maybe not, but they should at least have sidewalks for their own--perhaps this is why Pedestrians, drivers plead for bicyclists to stay off sidewalks.

Of course, bikes on sidewalks aren't nearly as dangerous as SUVs that blow through crosswalks, like in the case of the North Hollywood pedestrian fatally struck crossing street is ID'd. 

It's situations like this that lead us to wonder Can a re-imagined and walkable downtown save America? (or at least keep it safe?) And if so, Is City Council About to Trade Away Philadelphia’s Walkability Advantage? Maybe Philadelphia needs to be reminded that ‘You have to become the anti-strip mall’ to provide good walkability, and of the Links studied between walkability of neighborhoods and obesity.

Finally this week, we learned that in Prescott, Arizona, a DIY crosswalk provider got the recognition he deserved as the City designates downtown pedestrian walkway as 'Sam Steiger Crosswalk'

Oh--one more thing: Submit Your Questions for Ray LaHood to answer about walkability and pedestrian issues.

Where the Sidewalk Starts Heads South

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If blogging has been a bit sparse over the past few weeks, it's for good reason: our household is leaving the wilds of Los Angeles and heading to that raucous border town San Diego. I might not have been writing about pedestrian issues much lately, but they have certainly been my mind as we contemplate where to live in our new town.

WalkScore has played an important role in our housing search, and has been telling to test its algorithms out against what we see on the ground. As a reference point, our Woodland Hills home has a walkscore of 78: we don't have sidewalks, closely-spaced crosswalks, or many street trees--but we do have an abundance of commercial and civic sites within walking distance. With three grocery stores, banks, a library, drugstores, a pet store, restaurants, a hardware store, and more within a half-mile of our front door, we could conceivably ditch our car for much of our everyday errands.

On the other hand, as my husband points out, "I don't need to be able to walk to the optometrist, I just want a cool pub nearby." You may remember that he's not the only one who thinks this way. Earlier this year Scott Doyon released his map of "pub sheds" in Decatur, Georgia, his take on measuring walkability by proximity to beer.

It might sound silly at first, but it's actually a valid point. Pubs, like cafes, squares, and parks, function as important "third places" where people in the neighborhood can gather, meet one another, chat about local issues, and generally do the things that build community. While it's nice to be able to get your milk and pick up some doorknobs without getting in your car, running errands on foot doesn't necessarily help to build relationships that lead people to invest in, and feel connected to, their community.

Given this, we're willing to accept living in a neighborhood that has a lower walkscore--as long as we can walk to a wine bar. Fingers are crossed...

This Week on Foot

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Photo courtesy of www.thehindu.com

This week people in India are talking about The right to walk with dignity -- and including some performance art to get the conversation started. Meanwhile in Pakistan they're worried that Signal-free corridors cause inconvenience to pedestrians. But in Australia they're blaming the pedestrians for the problem, claiming Pedestrians walk the line with dangerous act of jaywalking. Yes, you read that right. Pakistan is taking a better stance on pedestrian safety than Australia.

Closer to home, Pedestrian struck by minivan In Redondo, PCH closed at scene. There's a High number of pedestrian deaths in Oregon this year, perhaps one reason that  Germantown Teen’s Death Frames Discussion on Pedestrian Safety. And even though we might be Moving toward walkable neighborhoods for older adults, we still need to Fix our sidewalks.

One place with decent sidewalks is San Diego County's National City #1 in walkability, survey shows. Not to be outdone Southeast Atlanta Rallies for "Smart" Development, and New Yorkers consider Revitalizing a Dead Mall (Don’t Expect Shoppers)

As we consider this week What makes a place "walkable"? we think about Why the 'Trick-or-Treat Test' Still Matters.

And now that trick-or-treating is safely behind us, remember that with the change in time this weekend Less daylight could mean more danger for motorists and pedestrians, troopers say

Back in Europe this week we learn about Award for Europe's most beautiful pedestrian bridge, argue that It's time for pedestrians to reclaim our streets with 20mph speed limit, and consider How cyclists and pedestrians can share space on canal towpaths.

Finally, if you're like us and hunting for a house this week, you might want to  check out this list of America's Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods--all walkable of course. Because walking is what all the hip kids do.

Happy Halloween!

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We're looking forward to taking our little bee out for her second Halloween tonight (and to stealing--er, sorting--her candy). If you're up to the same this evening, remember that Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians--especially little goblins and ladybugs--so be vigilant as you navigate the streets out there.

Wondering where to take your werewolves to howl? Check out Zillow's 2012 list of the best cities (and neighborhoods) for trick-or-treating, which incorporates WalkScore's ranking as part of the criteria its uses in compiling the list.

 

 

This Week on Foot

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This awesome photo courtesy of streetsblog

We're full of questions this week. Are “public” streets actually public? Are Salt Lake pedestrians safe? Can Insurers go After a Pedestrian?

We might not be able to answer all those ones, but we can learn more about Chicago's Strategies in the Pedestrian Plan: Remove all channelized right turns in 3 years, how the Feds consider rule for electric car noises to alert blind pedestrians, or discover the mysteries of Pedestrian enforcement from the inside.

Meanwhile, we're reminded that Walkable neighbourhoods tied to lower diabetes risk--along with a healthy diet of course. And speaking of diets, this week Westside’s Motor Avenue Gets Road Diet and Bike Lanes, and Capital Region cities seek to bridge a pedestrian divide, while on a less-promising note a Long Beach pedestrian killed when struck by jeep near Traffic Circle.

Outside the US Stainless Steel Bridge Arches Support Sölvesborg Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge while Toronto construction projects to try new pedestrian-friendly scaffolding. In India, Pedestrians’ safety on the line in Bangalore, while in China Better traffic lights can prevent jaywalking.

Finally, this week Atlantic Cities' urban walk combines two of my favorite topics-- parking and pedestrians-- and ask Could Parking Lot Walkways Point the Way to Walkable Redevelopment? What do you think?

2012 Great Streets

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photo courtesy of the bailey post

The American Planning Association (APA) has announced its 2012 list of Great Streets across the country. What is a Great Street, you ask? The APA considers three main characteristics in its evaluation of streets:

1. Street Form and Composition - Does the street accommodate multiple users? Does it encourage social interaction?
2. Street Character and Personality - Does the street reflect the local culture? Is it an interesting place to be?
3. Street Environment and Sustainable Practices - Does the street use green infrastructure? Does it promote sustainability?

This year, the streets that demonstrate all those characteristics are (not in California): 

• Duval Street in Key West, Florida
• Ward Parkway in Kansas City, Missouri
• Main Street in Bozeman, Montana
• Wall Street in Kingston, New York
• Fifth Avenue in New York, New York
• Broadway in Saratoga Springs, New York
• Shaker Boulevard in Cleveland, Ohio
• Grant Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia
• Broad Street in Charleston, South Carolina
• Gay Street in Knoxville, Tennessee

You can view pictures and details about the streets on the APA's website here.

And one more

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Engineering for Walking and Bicycling: How Is It Changing? How Is Davis Involved?
Oct. 26, 2012 1:30 - 3:00 Pacific Time

Rock Miller of Stantec Consulting will present an overview of his professional career in transportation with highlights on many of the significant walking and bicycling projects he has worked on. Miller's work has helped Santa Monica to be designated as a Walk Friendly City and for Long Beach to become a Bicycle Friendly Community. He just returned after leading a delegation of ITE leaders on a tour of bicycle facilities in the Netherlands. This delegation will prepare a report on how to adapt promising European design approaches to U.S. cities. This work will be incorporated into his presentation.

Miller will also indicate how a growing number of Davis grads of the 1970's and 1980's are now combining their early bicycle transportation experiences with their current positions to help guide the transformation of the U.S. into a more walk- and bike-friendly country.

Register here.

Upcoming webinars

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Get Inspired: Ideas to Refresh, Re-energize, and Reframe Safe Routes to School
10/23/12, 10:00-11:00 Pacific Time

Join Mark Fenton, a widely recognized and vocal advocate for the importance of walking and bicycling in communities, for a big picture look at the current state of Safe Routes to School. What have we achieved? Where are we headed? How can we get there? And how does SRTS fit into the larger healthy communities movement?

Mark will share his perspective on what he has observed in the world of SRTS, specifically discussing how key partner groups see SRTS and what we should be prioritizing moving forward. This webinar will leave you inspired, energized and ready to take your SRTS work to the next level.

Mark Fenton is a national public health, planning, and transportation consultant, and an adjunct associate professor at Tufts University in Boston.

Register here.

FHWA Webinar on Transportation and Health
10/23/12, 11:00-12:30 Pacific Time

This webinar will discuss planning research initiatives planned or underway that are related to transportation and health. Speakers include representatives from FHWA, the John A. VOLPE National Transportation Systems Center, the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, Puget Sound Regional Council, the San Diego Association of Governments, and Sacramento Area Council of Governments. They will address research underway and highlight case studies and best practices for taking a holistic approach to health in the transportation planning process.

Register here.

Walking in San Francisco: How SF Safety and Walkability Compare to Best Practices
11/16/12 12:00-1:00 Pacific Time

San Francisco has received recognition as one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., but also has high levels of pedestrian injuries and fatalities per capita. This talk will cover San Francisco's innovative Pedestrian Strategy and compare it to trend setters such as New York City and London.

Register here.

This week on foot

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Photo credit: Antonio Perez, Chicago Tribune

In a surprising twist, this week we learn that More parks don't mean more walking. At least according to one study. At least there's no question that more safety can lead to more walking, which is why
Arizona road-safety focus switches to pedestrians. And it's not just Arizona-- there was a Statewide pedestrian safety campaign launched in North Carolina, Hamilton can improve pedestrian safety with more 'complete streets' and the oddly-named DARN, Keller Williams and ADA complete walkability study for downtown Asheville. I guess Washington D.C. is ahead of the curve with Foggy Bottom: One Of D.C.'s First 'WalkUP' Neighborhoods.

Elsewhere in the country State Transportation Officials Doing More To Keep Train Fatalities, Suicides Down, and it's a battle of Parking versus pedestrian in Willoughby district, while a new Stevenage giant cycle lane creates pedestrian confusion in the UK.

Meanwhile, we're wondering: Pedestrian crossing signs in Windber: help or hindrance? I guess they're not wondering in New Jersey, where Eight communities in Hunterdon County will receive 'Stop for Pedestrians' signs.

It's bridges, not signs, that have some people raising their eyebrows here in LA, where Critics question $20M pedestrian bridge at Lankershim Boulevard. Oh well, at least they're Thinking outside the box on a walk through Paw Paw

 Finally this week, check out the IG of the Day: Walking Communities.

Cool Ped Stuff #25: BestWALK

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Walk audits just got a little easier (for San Diegans, at least) with the new BestWALK app from WalkSanDiego. From WSD:

Why don’t we walk? One of the primary reasons is that our streets (and therefore our neighborhoods, communities, and quite literally, our lives) are designed around the automobile. BestWALK was designed to help us take back the street. Join friends and walkers of all ages to use the BestWALK smart phone app and rate what it’s like to walk in your community. Your efforts will create a regional Walk Scorecard rating walkability in our neighborhoods and cities and contribute to a map of improvements for future funding.

WalkSanDiego has downloaded a street network into the BestWALK phone app that allows the user to document how easy and pleasant it is to walk and cross the streets of cities throughout San Diego County.

We have a network of 4,000 streets waiting to be rated! Ratings are provided for both intersections and street segments. The data you enter not only produces a rating, it also populates a map of improvements needed around the region. The more information we have on walkability around the San Diego region, the better equipped we are to advocate for improvements. With your help, we can advocate for specific improvements.

Dowload it today and help WSD reach their goal of 30,321 ratings--and also check our their new blog on the blogroll.

Happy Walk to School Day!

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Every October for the past 15 years, kids around the world ditched their (parents') cars and jumped on the walking school bus to celebrate International Walk to School Day. Last year there were over 4,000 registered schools participating, and this year over 400 schools in California have events planned.

Rates of children walking or biking to school have decreased steadily over the past four decades, from nearly 50 percent in 1969 to a paltry 13 percent in 2009. Not surprisingly, parents cite concerns over safety as the key reason they don't allow their kids to walk to school, which is why programs like Safe Routes to School are so important. Get the full list of schools and info about how you can join in here.

Happy walking!

 
 

Cool Ped Stuff #24: Rode Dog

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Rode Dog is a new anti-distracted-driving app that's the brainchild of a...child. Well, at 11 she might take issue with that characterization, but it's still an impressive accomplishment for someone who's still years away from driving herself. Victoria Walker won an AT&T hackathon--and $20,000-- to develop the app, which will allow users to hijack the phones of members of their "packs" (i.e. family and friends) when they text and drive, using the devices to "bark" incessently at the texters until they put down the phone and concentrate on driving.

No word yet on whether it can be used to curb other annoying behaviors. Can we work on something that will let me use my phone to zap the people who cut me off in traffic because they're talking on their phone?

This week on foot

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photo: Seattle PI

This week we learn that 11 Seattle intersections bad for pedestrians, but fortunately Seattle neighborhoods look for ways to increase walkability like this West Seattle traffic alert: Pedestrian upgrades for 35th/Alaska. Elsewhere in the country a Spate of Minnesota of pedestrian deaths prompts warnings, and  ‘Urban intervention’ tests downtown pedestrian space in Colorado, and  Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week Kicks Off in Virginia.

Closer to home Thousand Oaks tackles traffic safety and they're Unraveling Ped & Bike Tension In Santa Monica, while Pedestrians killed in Walnut Creek, SF and LA by distracted drivers.  They're struggling with Pedestrian Unfriendliness on La Brea, Old LA Maps at Art Walk, and there was a Pedestrian killed in Hollywood hit-and-run crash--but at least in Santa Barbara there are some Practical Pedestrian Pathways.

 Outside the US there's a message for Pedestrians: Zebra crossings not safe in Finland. At least Walkability takes off in Pembrokeshire National Park in Wales...

Speaking of which, here are some Concrete Ideas for Promoting Walkability. If that's not enough for you, UCLA offers city planners manual for creating parklets, living streets. Dallas seems to be using some of those ideas, as For Four Days This Month, Knox Will Become Dallas' First "Complete Street". Also Glen Ridge passes Complete Streets policy--seems like everyone is learning about Making Neighborhood Streets “Skinny” and Safe.

There's a lot of buzz this week about a new study from Leinberger: Walkable Urbanism Is the Future, and DC Is the Model. Some reviewers note that while "Walkable urban" places enjoy economic success, but face social equity challenges, while others wonder about a Walkable Tyson's Corner? Over VDOT's dead streetscape. But at the end of the day it's a positive Study: Shift to walkable urban places is good news for economy -- which is good, because If You Want Walkable Development, You Must Show That It Pays.

Safe Kids Infographic

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From Safe Kids USA, a nice infographic about children walking--and the dangers they face.

 

New Walk Friendly Communities Announced

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The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) has announced the latest cities to receive the Walk Friendly Communities title. Walk Friendly Communities are recognized for their work to create safe, walkable environments. And here they are:

Gold Level

• Washington, D.C.

Silver Level

• Long Beach, Ca.
• Redwood City, Ca.

Bronze Level

• Gainesville, Fla.
• Fort Collins, Co.
• Northampton, Mass.
• Rochester, Minn.
• Essex Junction, Vt.
• Shorewood, Wisc.

From the website:

"We are very excited to add nine to the Walk Friendly Communities roster," said Carl Sundstrom, WFC program manager. "These communities represent a true cross-section of America, ranging from the nation's capital to the small town of Essex Junction, Vt., population 9,300. The variety shows how much this program continues to growcities and towns of all sizes and types can create vibrant and walkable places."
 
There are now 33 Walk Friendly Communities across the nation. To date, Seattle, Wash., is the only Platinum-level Walk Friendly Community.
 
The program will begin accepting applications for the next round on Nov. 1, 2012, with the deadline for submission on Dec. 15, 2012. Interested communities are encouraged to visit www.walkfriendly.org to learn more about the program and review the community assessment tool.

This Week on Foot

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This week we're entertained by this PSA rap about Richmond pedestrian crossing, and by The Best Way to Deal With Crosswalk-Blocking Drivers Ever (aside from pedestrian stings, like the one this week where Thousand Oaks violators get stung in crosswalk stakeouts).

And why are those stings so important? Because Child Pedestrian Deaths Spike During After-School Hours. Because Lack of pedestrian signals poses threat to commuters. Because Safe Kids Worldwide, FedEx Study finds teens at greatest risk for pedestrian injuries. Because WCape road deaths: half pedestrians.

Yet while according to this Report: In D.C. Area, Developers Flock to ‘Walkable Urban’ (leading some to as is The Next Major Real Estate Cycle: Walkable Urbanism?), and Wesley welcomes pedestrian plaza we still have a long way to go in places like New York where an Astoria pedestrian plaza pits merchants against residents.

Elsewhere in the country pedestrian planning is being received more positively, as Chicago unveils 1st pedestrian safety plan and Ann Arbor ranked safest in state for pedestrians; city wants to keep it that way. In that case, Pedestrians, cyclists alike should share road, safety precautions. Speaking of safety precautions, We asked you: Should police ticket drivers for crosswalk violations? (Most people think so).

Finally this week, Canadians note that VANCOUVER WOULD BE COOLER IF #188: We Could Walk It As Diversely As Berkeley and we wonder What makes a great city street? Consider these examples.

Walk. Bike. Move. Live. Sept. 19.

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San Diegans: Join like-minded advocates as WalkSanDiego hosts a Mayoral debate. Here are the details from WSD.

Date:          September 19, 2012
Time:          7:00 PM
Location:   University of San Diego, Shiley Theatre

Come hear mayoral candidates Carl DeMaio and Bob Filner in the only debate focused on enhancing and improving quality of life through how we live, work, play and move around in America's Finest City.  Learn the views and opinions of San Diego's 2012 mayoral candidates on community issues that impact you:

• Improving Transportation Choices (walk, bike, transit, car share, carpool, etc.)
• Urban Growth and Development (how to improve our communities while accommodating growth?)
• Locating new employment opportunities (can we commute less?)
• Livable Communities (creating neighborhoods where people come first, not cars!) 

A networking reception with light refreshments will take place immediately following the one hour debate.
Getting to the Debate:

For transit information: Trolley/Shuttle Info (Bus Route 44 stops right in front of USD)
Complimentary bike valet will be on-site

Get your tickets today at http://walkbikemovelive2012.eventbrite.com/

Cool Ped Stuff #23: City Pulse

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The latest (bad pun) brainchild of Brain Drain, CityPulse is a network of "beacons" that light up the street literally and figuratively. The fancy lights detects and reports street-level activity in real time, provides information about nearby businesses and tourist attractions, and, as Brain Drain puts it, "offers a new platform for human interactions and entrepreneurship."

From the website:

By spurring pedestrian navigation and citywide connectivity, CityPulse stands to make a huge impact. This place-making program offers a multi-level intervention that stimulates growth in small and new business, facilitates access to community resources and information, and provides a public venue for emerging trends and creativity in the cityscape.

Yet one more way technology is changing the way we move through the pedestrian environment.

This Week on Foot

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This week people are talking about Affordable Housing and a Pedestrian Plaza in New York, a

Pedestrian bridge linking downtown, Cultural District dedicated in Fort Worth, and New D.C. traffic cameras to monitor stop signs, pedestrian crosswalks.

But here in LA, it's still all about sidewalks, where Cracks Appear in L.A.’s Grand Transportation Plan, making it no surprise that L.A. councilmen concerned about length, cost of sidewalk survey, and suggest that maybe some of those "thousands" of community activists" can step in.

Pardon me while I get editorial here.

1. We'd all like the survey to go quickly, but seriously LA--you can't find money to pay for professionals to do this job? It's such a low funding priority that you have to get volunteers to do the work? I'd like to see you try that with roadways.
2. And speaking of roadways, are you saying that whole "transportation infrastructure creates jobs" argument only apply to building roads?
3. Finally, please point me towards the thousands of activists advocating for pedestrian issues in LA. We could use their help with some things.

Moving on to other frustrating stories, here's one that notes Most pedestrian accidents happen within sight of crosswalks, (not so) subtly blaming the pedestrian, who obviously must be too lazy to walk out of their way to a crosswalk. Meanwhile here's another that points out that the Driver's seat safer than sidewalk for older adults, a creative variation on the old "driving drunk is safer than walking drunk" argument. And while we're blaming pedestrians for things, how about this Report: 'Distracted walking' endangers teens. Umm, no, I think it's more the vehicles that endanger teens.

But let's not get totally discouraged. This week in ESCONDIDO: Students take to street to fight for health, and Garmin/Navigon announce new pedestrian and public transportation features, while pedestrian-friendly Blue Zones gearing up for official unveiling.

Elsewhere, one lawyer ponders Improving Pedestrian Safety By Reviewing Primary Types Of Incidents, in Florida they insist on No more Frogger for pedestrians, and Israel considers the idea of Pedestrian protectors.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/08/25/4205654/new-pedestrian-bridge-linking.html#storylink=cpy

Finally, all those distracted teenagers and young adults roll their eyes at their elders and say, Cars? Not For Us: The Cheapest Generation Explains 'the Freedom of Not Owning' 

No Pedestrian Walking Allowed

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A friend from work, and avid long-distance runner, recently brought my attention to the intersection of Santa Clara Avenue and Los Angeles Avenue (Highway 118). Located in unincorporated Ventura County and surrounded by agricultural fields, the road isn't likely to be popular with pedestrians--unless you're an intrepid jogger...or a farm worker who needs to park on the street and walk to your job site. Either way, good luck--because the roadway's designers clearly don't want you there.

So vehement are they in their sentiments that they posted a no-pedestrian crossing sign on every leg of the intersection. Yes, that's right, every one. Meaning if for some crazy reason you need to cross the street, you'll have to walk a mile or so out of your way to find another intersection, or race across the road when you see a break in traffic. Good to know there's a "safe" option.

 

LA finally gets serious about fixing its sidewalks

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Angelenos have heard the statistics many times over the past few years: nearly half of LA's sidewalks are cracked, crumbling, or...whatever term you'd like to use to refer to the mess above. It will take an estimated $1.5 billion to return them to pristine--or at least usable--condition. In the last few years spending on sidewalk repair has been less than one percent of that figure. The city spends about the same on the 2,500 trip and fall claims it receives each year.

But now, the LA Times reports that the city is pondering the first step in a comprehensive program to bring its sidewalks up to snuff: a survey of all 10,000+ miles of sidewalks to document the condition of curbs and gutters, street trees, soils, and other details, and the development of a software program to compile the results. The survey could take three years and cost more than $10 million.



Actual "sidewalk" in Woodland Hills

Why go to all that effort? It would provide justification for the City to place a bond measure on the ballot (possibly in 2017) to fund sidewalk repairs.

Is this the fix Los Angeles' pedestrians have been waiting for? It would move the responsibility for sidewalk repair from adjacent property owners to the City, a move that's sure to please those property owners. It would also demonstrate, if subtly, that the City values pedestrians enough to pay for repairs to their infrastructure too--just like it has always done for drivers.

Those seem like good reasons to move forward with the plan to me, but I'm just one voter. If the bond measure is approved for the ballot in 2017, the City would still have a lot of voters to convince--something it wasn't too successful at in 1998, when a similar measure was rejected by 60 percent. Let's hope Angelenos have come to their senses by now--or that they've really gotten tired of tripping on broken sidewalks.

You can read more details about the survey and possible bond measure here.
 

This Week on Foot

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This week starts with good news for LA, where the City Council Poised to Approve Four More Parklets. while in Long Beach: Finding Ways to Get More People Walk is a priority for officials in that city. In fact, cities across the country are looking for ways to improve walkability. The Lansing council considers millage for sidewalk improvements, a Group hopes to make Westboro bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly, Citizens support village sidewalk policies, and Travel is no travail in pedestrian-friendly Wilmette.

So with all this good news, Why are Pedestrian Deaths Rising? Perhaps in part because
Older pedestrians at greatest risk of being struck, and our population is aging. And while we're asking questions, Can we have real crosswalks in New York City? Hard to say, but at least Prospect Park boosters hope to solve a hot-button issue between pedestrians and cyclists.

Elsewhere in the country Pedestrians Keep Dying on Georgia Roads, while Police get cross about crosswalks in Robbinsdale and in TRENTON: National expert says city’s walkability good, bad and needs redesign. In the world of research 7 streets in New Orleans working to revitalize neighborhoods are part of UNO student's research and there's a new Study to evaluate zoning code reforms and physical activity. Perhaps it will explain why Somehow We're Walking More and Walking Less At the Same Time.

Meanwhile, people are explaining the difference between Roads, streets, STROADS and park roads, why a Pedestrian bridge is good for community, and that for Pedestrian signals: Faster than never is better than nothing.

Finally this week, Volunteers needed to rate the walkability of their neighborhoods in San Diego, and we learn how a Huntsville pedestrian's plan for being hit by car may have saved his life. Just don't forget: Pedestrians are always right.






 

New Pedestrian Research

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The latest in pedestrian and transportation geekery:

Transport and Health Resource: Delivering Healthy Local Transport Plans

The Transport and Health resource was jointly commissioned by the Department of Health (DH) and Department for Transport (DfT) to support the development and delivery of health conscious Local Transport Plans throughout England.

Local Transport Plans (LTPs) are required to be assessed through Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) (European Directive 2001/42/EC) as an integral part of developing, appraising and later, delivering LTPs. Addressing human health is a key requirement of the SEA directive, and health impacts are also covered in the statutory duty to assess for the Impact on Equality, which will need to be carried out for all LTPs.

The Colorado Mile Markers: Recommendations for Measuring Active Transportation

The Project The goal of this project is to help decision-makers (leaders and practitioners) make informed actions regarding active transportation facilities and programs–and to monitor the results of such actions. There are many data collection approaches and indicators in use; there also remain substantial gaps in existing data and lack of standards. This report offers a recommendation for a robust monitoring system to provide decision makers with the information they currently lack and to make it comparable across geographic boundaries.

Smartphone-Based Travel Experience Sampling and Behavior Intervention among Young Adults

This research project aims to develop a data collection application that enables real-time tracking and reporting of the health-related impacts of travel behavior. Using computing, communication, and sensing capabilities of smartphones, an Android phone application was developed to collect real-time travel-related physical activity and psychological well-being data from phone users. The application was tested on multiple Android phones, among which Nexus S and HTC Magic were found to produce comparable physical activity outputs with the commercially available accelerometer. The application was further tested in a three-week field study for its viability for real-time data collection and behavior intervention against unhealthy travel behavior. Twenty-three young adults were recruited and randomized into intervention and control groups. Both groups were asked to install UbiActive on their phone and wear their phone on their right hip during all waking hours for three consecutive weeks. The intervention group was provided information on impacts of their travel behavior on physical activity and psychological well-being. No information was provided to the control group. After the field study, all participants were asked to complete a web-based exit survey that was comprised of questions about their general participation experience and specific concerns about the study design, application, compliance requirements, and privacy issues. Findings from the field study show that UbiActive has high potential in collecting travel-related physical activity and psychological experience data, but limited effectiveness in behavior intervention. Findings from the exit survey provide useful insights into potential improvement areas of the study and the UbiActive application.

The Safe Routes to School Program in California: An Update

Despite efforts to combat increasing rates of childhood obesity, the problem is worsening. Safe Routes to School (SRTS), an international movement motivated by the childhood obesity epidemic, seeks to increase the number of children actively commuting (walking or biking) to school by funding projects that remove barriers preventing them from doing so. We summarize the evaluation of the first phase of an ongoing SRTS program in California and discuss ways to enhance data collection.

Effect of North Carolina's restriction on teenage driver cell phone use two years after implementation
A majority of states now restrict teenagers from using a mobile communication device while driving. The effect of these restrictions is largely unknown. In a previous study, we found North Carolina's teenage driver cell phone restriction had little influence on young driver behavior four months after the law took effect (Foss et al., 2009). The goal of the present study was to examine the longer-term effect of North Carolina's cell phone restriction. It was expected that compliance with the restriction would increase, as awareness of the restriction grew over time. Teenagers were observed at high schools in North Carolina approximately two years after the law was implemented. Observations were also conducted in South Carolina, which did not have a cell phone restriction. In both states, there was a broad decrease in cell phone use. A logistic regression analysis showed the decrease in cell phone use did not significantly differ between the two states. Although hand-held cell phone use decreased, there was an increase in the likelihood that drivers in North Carolina were observed physically manipulating a phone. Finally, a mail survey of teenagers in North Carolina showed awareness for the cell phone restriction now stands at 78% among licensed teens. Overall, the findings suggest North Carolina's cell phone restriction has had no long-term effect on the behavior of teenage drivers. Moreover, it appears many teenage drivers may be shifting from talking on a phone to texting.

And even more!
Integrating Public Health and Transportation Planning: Perspectives for MPOs and COGs
Sharing the Road: Optimizing Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Vehicle Mobility
Promoting Active Communities in a Culture of Distracted Driving

Community-Based Participatory Research: A Strategy for Building Healthy Communitiesand Promoting Health through Policy Change

Design Charrette with Los Angeles Walks

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This Saturday (August 25) join the awesome folks from Los Angeles Walks for a design charrette co-sponsored by the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council. Here are the details from the site:

Saturday, August 25, 2012, 10 am – 1 pm
Silver Lake Library
Plaza and Community Room
2411 Glendale Blvd @ Silverlake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
At 10:00 am we will gather in the Silver Lake Library plaza on Glendale with Silver Lake Neighborhood Council 2012 candidates for a “meet the candidates” and hear what they have to say about making our streets safer of people walking, biking, taking transit and driving.
Bagels, tea and coffee will be served. Then at 10:30 am, after meeting the candidates, we will enter the building for a Safer, Kinder Streets Design Presentation and Charrette hosted by Los Angeles Walks.
Pizzas will arrive at 1:00 pm, and by then we will have learned about interesting and dynamic best practices from across the world, which may be applicable in Silver Lake, identified dangerous streets in need of safer, kinder design and begun articulating the plan that will guide us in the years to come.
Representatives from LADOT and City Planning will be in attendance.
Click here for more info.

And another creative solution...

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This Big City reports on yet one more DIY effort to improve streets in Russia:

“Make the bureaucrat work!” is the slogan of a local campaign [ru] run by the regional Internet news agency, Ura.ru. Their solution to the road problem is as simple as it is elegant: They simply spray-paint the portraits of local dignitaries around potholes, with quotes of their promises to fix the problem, and guess what – problem solved!

What has taken local politicians years not to do, is now done overnight. The embarrassment of having their portraits so concretely fixed to the potholes of their power, has seemingly made authorities run about like mad to pave over their portraits of impotence, filling the holes in streets and roads.

Battling the Bureaucracy to Create Better Streets

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I'm a bureaucrat myself, so I'm allowed to say it: sometimes well-meaning regulations get in the way of really great stuff. Navigating the state and local rules that govern how we use our streets can be costly and intimidating for the professional, completely disheartening for the average "outsider" who wants to get creative with an otherwise boring streetscape. I'll share two very different approaches being taken in Denver and San Francisco, but first a couple tips from someone on the inside:

1. Find an advocate. A savvy staff member or elected official can open doors that seem permanently sealed shut.
2. Look for grey areas. There's more flexibility within the law than you might imagine, and it just might allow your wild street art scheme after all.
3. Question authority. If a rule doesn't make sense to you, say so. Even better, offer a solution.

 

SF Better Streets
San Franciscans with bright ideas for streets can learn how to make their dreams reality by visiting a site put together by the City’s Planning Department, Department of Public Works, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency: www.sfbetterstreets.org.

The site includes dozens of pages on information on permits, maintenance, codes and guidelines for each type of streetscape project. It also includes a friendly, easy-to navigate interface and welcoming look, important elements that can easily be forgotten in the world of rote government websites. As the web increasingly becomes the "front counter" of city departments, sites like this one can help engage the public and encourage the creative use of street space that transforms the pedestrian environment.

My favorite part? The way the city calls them street openings on their website, instead of the outmoded street closings. It's a small thing, but it represents a big change in thinking about which users should have priority on local roadways.
 
Better Blocks
Not every city is quite as open to innovation as San Francisco. As this story describes, sometimes you have to break the rules to get things done on the street:

In order to make his neighborhood more livable, Jason Roberts had to break the law. In fact, he and 1,500 other people didn't stop at just one city ordinance; they violated dozens of them, more than once, without getting caught. But their idea definitely caught on: Since April 2010, when they revolutionized their Oak Cliff block in Dallas, Roberts' Better Block initiative has spread to more than twenty blocks across the country.

From DIY crosswalks to yarnbombing, sometimes it takes a little insubordination to make your street into something everyone really wants.

I think this is great a way to demonstrate a street's potential, and raise awareness of problem regulations that prevent good streets from happening--but of course, the real solution is the (long and often tedious) process of changing those rules.

Ray Bradbury: Author, Visionary, Pedestrian

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Joseph Mugnaini — The Pedestrian

Last month the world lost one of its great authors, futurist and fellow Angeleno Ray Bradbury. Unique for many reasons, I just learned something about him that makes me love him even more: he never drove a car. (Though for the record his family owned one--his wife just did all the driving because, "In a really smart family, the woman does the driving. If a man is smart, he says to his wife, ‘You drive because I’m not a good driver.’")

Bradbury dreamed of a future where city-dwellers ditched their cars for high-speed monorails, but acknowledged that reality might look bleaker if we continue down our current path. He describes a much darker vision his 1951 story The Pedestrian, about a city where one brave man dares to walk the sidewalks--and the consequences of engaging in such devious behavior.

You can read more on Bradbury's thoughts on transportation here.

Following the money

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We all know that it creating great pedestrian environments take money, but understanding transportation funding is a little trickier. Last week Tri-State Transportation came out with this great tool that helps you understand how much your state is spending on bicycle and pedestrian projects (not to mention bridges, transit, and other transportation infrastructure).

And if the recent federal transportation debacle has you confused (not just depressed), here's a nice summary of the MAP-21 legislation.

Car Wars

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One thing advocates of "alternative" transportation modes are constantly accused of is hating cars. This piece from NPR's Cities Project takes a closer look at the so-called "car wars" that planners are waging. One quote from a DC resident summed up for me the predominant--but uninformed--view on the situation:

"[Cars are] the predominant form of transportation in America. In fact, it's something that we can't live without...When you get a refrigerator delivered ... they don't bring it on a bicycle. ... They bring it in an automobile. It's easy to vilify the automobile, but it's not productive."

Setting aside for a moment the fact that many people do in fact live without cars, let's look at the second part of that statement. While he doesn't use the term, what the speaker is talking about is goods movement. And he's right: transporting goods around the city (and country) quickly and smoothly is essential to our economy, and a lot of that goods movement isn't going to happen on a bike.

But moving merchandise is an entirely different type of trip than, say, going to the hardware store, a nuance that often gets lost when we talk about the "war" on cars. You'd be hard-pressed to find a planner who really believes that cars have no place whatsoever in our society--heck, I heard this story while driving home from work in my car. But there are lots of trips where driving really doesn't--or at least shouldn't--make sense, and these are the trips we'd like to shift to other modes.

As I like to say, no one buys a Ferrari to drive to the grocery store. We should focus on using cars for the trips where they really make sense (and ensuring that drivers pay the full cost of driving, but that's another post), and ensuring that the pedestrian environment is safe enough for people to walk when they want to. As Washington DC Planning Director Harriet Tregoning says in the piece, cars are nice but, "It's also great to get out of them every once in a while."

Upcoming Events in San Diego

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Lunchtime Panel Discussion
The Public Realm: The Re-emerging City Building Framework

Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 12:00-1:00 P.M.
Location:  NewSchool of Architecture and Design, 1249 "F" Street, San Diego, CA  92101
Lunch Included: $5.00 in advance, $7.00 at door
RSVP: by email or call 619.544.9255

The public realm is once again being understood as a critical element in making cities work for the health and well-being of their citizens. Public health professionals have joined with design professionals in recognizing that quality urban design, and a well designed public realm, are key to the health and wellness of the community. Local author Richard Louv has given the lack of connection to nature and the public realm a name: "Nature Deficit Disorder.”At the same time we are renewing our understanding of the importance of nature in the public realm, we are experiencing the lack of resources for improving and maintaining public spaces. This panel discussion will address where San Diego is, where we might go, and lessons learned from other places.

Community Walk
Ocean Beach
Meet: Foot of Ocean Beach Pier (end of Niagara St)
Date: Saturday, July 21, 2012; 9:00am
Come learn the fascinating and varied history of this beach community, including the Wonderland Amusement Park, the old fishing bridge across the Mission Bay Channel, and Albert Spaulding’s Japanese Gardens at Sunset Cliffs.  A three-mile walk with some hills. (this is a repeat of a walk done in 2010)

Community Walk
Downtown Gaslamp
Meet: 5th and B St in front of the Wells Fargo Building fountain
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2012; 9:00am
Come explore the rich history, architecture, and people of the Gaslamp historic district and surrounding area. A three-mile walk on flat terrain.

Summer walks are open to everyone; reservations not required. Contact Dave Schumacher, with questions; Free for WalkSanDiego members, suggested $5.00 Non-Member donation

Whose sidewalks are they, anyway? Part 2

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I've written before about Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris and Reina Ehrenfeucht's important work on sidewalks and their crucial role in creating and sustaining a vibrant city--along with city officials' ongoing attempts to thwart that role. Last week in LA we were treated to yet another example of a city trying to limit the use of sidewalks to specific, sanctioned activities.

For the non-locals, downtown LA is in the midst of a renaissance that includes an extremely successful nighttime Art Walk on Thursdays. Last week Occupy protesters organized a "chalk walk" during the Art Walk festivities, writing their slogans on the local sidewalks and--in the process--impeding the flow of pedestrians. When they refused to move, police got involved, and (as the pattern goes here in LA) things got out of control.

It would be easy to make this about the sometimes-unruly Occupy movement and their politics, but the real issue has nothing to do with the specifics of this incident. Instead, it highlights a fundamental disagreement over the purpose of sidewalks. As quoted in the LA Weekly, the LAPD argues,

"One thing that's getting lost is...we had people writing on the sidewalks and, because so many were doing it, they were blocking the sidewalk and forcing pedestrians to walk in the roadway."

The unspoken implication is that the sidewalk serves one purpose only: moving pedestrians (while of course keeping them out of the way of all-important flow of vehicle traffic).

But sidewalks do so much more than that. They're a place for social interaction, expression, discovery, art and beauty. They're the place where the shopkeeper and the millionaire executive can nod to one another as equals. For some people, they're even home.

Until Los Angeles acknowledges--and even embraces--the many reasons sidewalks exist, we're never going to have a world-class walking city.

Upcoming Webinars

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Here a web, there a web, everywhere a webinar...

July 17 - 11:00 AM PDT
What's Working in Collaboration for Health Promotion
PreventObesity.net

When health advocates work together across local, state and national lines, they achieve change more effectively.  Online resources can help them come together — but with so many different resources out there, which are the most useful? Join PreventObesity.net and public health experts on July 17 for a free webinar to discuss current collaboration trends and success stories.

Register here.

July 17 - 10:00 AM PDT
Making Tough Choices Easier: How To Prioritize Pedestrian Infrastructure Needs
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network

How do you know which infrastructure improvements will have the greatest impact on walking and biking to school?  This webinar will help you learn how to prioritize projects at various schools within a community and how this has been applied in two communities.  First, you will be introduced to the guide on infrastructure project selection developed by the National Center for Safe Routes to School. Then planners and engineers from San Francisco and Miami will discuss two different approaches to prioritizing projects at multiple schools.  

Register here.

July 18 - 12:00 PM PDT
The Greener Side of Green Streets: Reducing Pavement Footprints
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
     
This webinar will explore how some cities are working to reduce the environmental footprint of their streets while also adding value for bicyclists and pedestrians. Attendees will learn about Portland's Green Street Projects which improve both storm water management and traffic calming through the use of semi-diverters, curb extensions, offset intersections and pervious pavements as components of neighborhood greenways and pocket parks. The session also includes information about Chicago's Sustainable Streets demonstration projects, which use recycled materials, pervious surfaces, reflective pavement coatings, street trees and other treatments to create sustainable streetscapes.

Register here.

July 24 12:00 PM PDT
TRB for Bike/Ped Professionals: Understanding and Engaging the Transportation Research Board
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals

Attend this free webinar to find out what the Transportation Research Board does and how its work benefits bicycle and pedestrian professionals. TRB's focus is research; presenters will explain how TRB conducts and disseminates research, citing current outcomes from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committees. Learn how to engage with TRB through research needs statements, submitting a paper, the peer review process, and practice-ready papers and other TRB products.

Register here.

July 26 - 11:00 AM PDT
The Economic Benefits of Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School Partnership
In this webinar, expert speakers will discuss how bicycling and walking can boost local economies, how bicycling and walking saves communities money and specific research on the topic.

Register here.

July 30 - 10:00 AM PDT
SRTS Middle School Curriculum: Why it is Important and How to Make an Impact
Safe Routes Coaching Action Network

When most people think of SRTS programs, elementary school students come to mind. In this webinar, we will discuss why it is so important to reach out to middle school students, why it is often so challenging to get through to them, and three examples of programs designed to make an impact on these preteens.

Register here.

July 24 - 12:30 PM PDT
Using Health Impact Assessments to Connect Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Health
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center

Health impact assessments are a valuable tool for estimating the health impact of various projects and policies. This webinar will explore what health impact assessments are and how they can be used to connect bicycle and pedestrian safety and health. Bethany Rogerson, senior associate for the Health Impact Project, a collaboration of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts, will provide an overview of HIA programs and how they can add value to a decision-making process.

Register here.