Over a quarter of city blocks lack sidewalk infrastructure. An advocacy project to reduce traffic speeds and increase pedestrian safety on these streets has evolved into a city-funded program.
In Seattle, 45,000 blocks lack sidewalks, and last year the Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, a neighborhood-based, volunteer coalition, launched a DIY program to make streets safer for pedestrians. "The concept is called Home Zones and is meant to create 'living streets' that can be shared between cars and people," writes Emily Nonko.
After a Home Zones pilot program in a north Seattle neighborhood, the Seattle City Council allocated $350,000 for an expanded program. "The greater vision of Home Zones, according to [Gordon] Padelford, is installing a combination of speed humps, traffic diverters, wayfinding signage and public artwork — lower-cost options in lieu of sidewalks," notes Nonko.
The Seattle Department of Transportation is overseeing the official pilot program, which will be implemented in two neighborhoods. But advocates say progress has been slow and the program still has not been fully funded. They also want to see more funding in next year’s city budget for implementable low-cost alternatives to sidewalks.
FULL STORY: DIY Initiative Addressing Lack of Seattle Sidewalks Becomes a City Pilot
Seattle Recalculates Walk Signal Timing to Make Crossings Safer for Pedestrians
The new formulas for calculating the length of walk signals are designed to give people more time to safely cross the street.
Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.
Connecticut Launches Complete Streets Standards
The new policy calls for sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks on state roads and state-funded road projects.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
Federal Government Announces National Climate Resilience Framework
The document is designed to guide federal investment into community-driven solutions tailored to local conditions and needs.
How to Build for Aging in Place
Why developers should place more emphasis on building homes for aging residents and multigenerational living.
Bringing Planning Back to the People
Has the profession given in to corporate interests, and is there another way forward?
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
City of Helena
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
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.
