Tear Down That Stop Sign!
A European experiment that removed traffic signs to improve pedestrian safety has spread to Australia.
"Rip down the traffic signs, throw them out and erase the road markings - it doesn't seem the logical way to improve road safety.
But Bendigo City Council, in Victoria, has decided to do just that, and follow a revolutionary overseas trend in urban design that planners say saves lives, improves health and creates better communities.
The council will today unveil a $16 million makeover of its city centre, coined "naked streets" by commentators. It will radically alter the city centre by narrowing spaces for cars and returning the town's wide streets to walkers and cyclists.
Under the scheme, all "visual signals" that streets are for cars first and walkers second will go. Footpaths will be dramatically expanded and filled with street furniture and public art.
Kerbs will be eliminated and replaced with paving to mark where cars can drive and park.
The idea was dreamed up by the Dutch urban designer Hans Monderman in the 1970s, and has slowly gained acceptance in Europe, Britain and the US."
- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
Related News Stories
Unique Wayfinding in Parking Lot - Aug 06, 2008
The City-Suburb Commute is Not What it Used to Be - Aug 05, 2008
Melbourne, Australia: A Pedestrian Paradise - May 11, 2008
Sydney Contemplating Tearing Down Freeway - Apr 02, 2008
Funding Remains Uncertain for Sydney's 'Grand Project' - Mar 27, 2008
Keep the stop signs
Thats foolish you better keep the stop signs infact put a camera over them to watch who doesnt stop send them a ticket.
I like more room for people but keep the stop signs add cameras and keep the traffic lights to .
You can do both things .
I can see removing the STOP signs in Miami as most ignore them anyway but you cant make the streets narrower there as Humvees-Pick ups and Large SUVs need the room lol and they are the norm.