Allison Arieff writes a passionate plea for Americans to ditch the car and reconnect with pedestrian experiences. There's even a car company helping pave the way for a new approach to streets.
"Most of us pass through the places where we live, work and play not on two feet or two wheels but in cars," writes Arieff. "We are disconnected from our streets — and so we don’t care about them."
Arieff's eloquence in stating the problem is unparalleled, but the attention quickly turns to solutions. A car company, Ford, provides the perhaps surprising source of inspiration for the article. According to Arieff, "Ford, like many other automobile manufacturers, sees the writing on the wall….Ford has been steadily diversifying from a car company to a 'mobility company.'"
The company has proven itself by funding the National Street Service, which has piloted in Boise, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Pontiac. "Over the course of 10 weeks, participants first observe and learn about their favorite (and least favorite) streets and then brainstorm ideas for low-cost interventions to make those streets better," explains Arieff. "Volunteers and project leaders then collaborate on a larger-scale effort to carry out some of those ideas and engage their respective communities."
FULL STORY: Let’s Reconnect With Our Streets
Oklahoma House Approves Protections for Drivers Who Hit Protestors
A heated debate and a party line vote in Oklahoma.
Roadways for People: The Necessity of Collaboration
Breaking down planning silos to ensure transportation options in a car-oriented world.
Zero Traffic Deaths Isn't as Far Fetched as It Sounds
Even supporters of Vision Zero—a goal to eliminate traffic fatalities from roadways adopted by cities and states all over the United States—doubt that such lofty ambitions are possible. But there are plenty of reasons to believe in the cause.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.
Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont