Saturday, November 3, 2012

This Week on Foot


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.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

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.


 
 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

2012 Great Streets

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.

Monday, October 22, 2012

And one more

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.