Israeli Bicyclists Decry Auto-Oriented Planning

Bicycle activists in Tel Aviv call for better infrastructure for bicyclists, skaters and pedestrians. "The central question is: Who is the city for - for the car or for the people?" says one.

1 minute read

January 19, 2009, 1:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur


"'People like to ride bicycles. If you give them the opportunity to start their day by riding to work, many people will do so. The problem is that this alternative does not really exist,' says Yotam Avi Zohar, director of the Israel Bicycle Association. Zohar says it is not utopia to get to work by bike or on foot - rather, it is a matter of correct planning and a willingness to promote such ideas. He notes that for most urban residents, their places of residence and employment are located between five and 7 kilometers apart, a distance easily covered by bike or on rollerblades.

Zohar is aware of the hot weather conditions but he points out that in the months between September and May "it is wonderful to ride a bike." Besides, he believes employers should be encouraged to provide shower facilities for workers or to consider a monthly subscription to a shower in a nearby gym."

Monday, January 19, 2009 in Haaretz

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

View of Austin, Texas skyline with river in foreground during morning golden hour.

The Paradox of American Housing

How the tension between housing as an asset and as an essential good keeps the supply inadequate and costs high.

March 26, 2024 - The Atlantic

Aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska downtown with mountains in background at golden hour.

Anchorage Leaders Debate Zoning Reform Plan

Last year, the city produced the fewest new housing units in a decade.

4 minutes ago - Anchorage Daily News

Young man in wheelchair crossing zebra crosswalk.

How to Protect Pedestrians With Disabilities

Public agencies don’t track traffic deaths and injuries involving disabled people, leaving a gap in data to guide safety interventions.

1 hour ago - Governing

Aerial view of mountain town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the winter with snow at dusk.

Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing

Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.

2 hours ago - CBS News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.