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.
Sidewalks
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".
The Globe and Mail
Can "Walkable" and "Bucolic" Go Hand in Hand?
There is controversy over new sidewalk laws in Washington, DC.
The Washington Post
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.
LAist
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.
The New York Times
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.
SDSU NewsCenter
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.
The New York Times
Thanksgiving
Wed, 11/26/2008 - 08:11
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.
The Christian Science Monitor
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".
The New York Observer
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.
WCAX-TV
Best Ideas of the Week
Fri, 04/18/2008 - 16:08
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.
Gulf News
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.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Friday Funny: Addressing the Dangers of Texting While Walking
More and more people are injuring themselves by walking into poles while looking down at their cell phones. This video from ITN News looks at an effort in England to make the streets safer for walking texters.
ITN News via Engadget
Segways, Sidewalks, and Scooters
Tue, 07/24/2007 - 09:15
Should Segways be allowed on sidewalks? Should all bicycles travel only in designated bike lanes? Should motorized scooters be treated as if they are wheelchairs? Where should rollerblades, skateboards, adult tricycles, bikes with trailers or kick scooters travel? The world of personal mobility is expanding. And so is the pressure in favor of alternatives to the grandaddy of personal mobility -- the automobile. In spite of its importance as image-maker and status-definer, a car is just a method for getting a person from Point A to Point B. Moving people -- that’s its basic purpose.
