Starting in April, Houston will close 2.5 miles of streets to automobile traffic between 11 am and 3 pm. Additional street closures will follow in May.
Dug Begley and Mike Morris report on a pilot program in the city of Houston that will close certain streets to automobile traffic during the day in the hopes of attracting bikers and pedestrian. Mayor Annise Parker is quoted as describing the pilot project as “a way to acquaint ourselves with what is around those streets in a way we don't normally experience it going by car…”
In a separate article, Dan Solomon describes the pilot as “an interesting approach to take in Houston, which isn't necessarily known for its progressive transportation policies.” Solomon also anticipates confusion and frustration on the part of drivers who might be surprised but he temporary closures.
FULL STORY: City to test whether pedestrians, cyclists will use car-free streets
The Car-Free Revolution Continues in Paris
The city continues to reclaim space for pedestrians and cyclists.
A Car-Free Street Dream in Northern Virginia
The city of Alexandria has begun to explore the idea of transforming sections of King Street into a car-free pedestrian zone.
Car-Free in Houston
Visiting the city without zoning.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.
