Planetizen Newswire
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Pedestrians
Toronto’s iconic Yonge Street is heavily used by pedestrians, and, according to this article, it's time for a revamp that acknowledges all of the street's users.
The Star
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.
Next City
Distracted walking is never a great idea. But in New York City at least, texting while walking only led to 2 out of 534 pedestrian deaths from 2014 through 2017.
New York Daily News
In theory, sidewalks are what make cities walkable. But in Washington, D.C., many sidewalks are not accessible to the people who use them.
Greater Greater Washington
The dominant narrative is that streets are for cars and infrastructure that accommodates driving is necessary for cities to grow. But cities ended up this way because of decisions that make other modes secondary.
The Outline
In Portland, Oregon, transportation advocates are questioning the justifications for crosswalk closures in the city.
BikePortland
Are pedestrian walk buttons effective, or do they only give us the illusion of control? It can vary.
WAMU
Colorful, engaging crosswalks aren’t the norm, but they’re popping up around the country. And while they aren’t in line with federal guidelines, they have transformed streets and intersections.
NPR
A new study by researchers at Illinois State University and the University of Michigan measured the informal footpaths—also known as "desire lines"—of Detroit.
Landscape And Urban Planning
Scooters are a useful addition to the mobility landscape, but cities need to address the many safety issues that come along with them.
The New York Times
Separated bike lanes and new pedestrian infrastructure have replaced traffic lanes on a mile of Manassas Street in Memphis.
The Field (ASLA)
Alexander Garvin argues that it’s time for the end of the mega-project in an excerpt from "The Heart of the City: Creating Vibrant Downtowns for a New Century."
Next City
The Seattle Department of Transportation recently released its first-ever public life study.
Streetblog USA
After nearly 20 years of progress in pedestrian safety, fatalities started climbing again in 2010. In 2018, pedestrian deaths jumped to levels not seen in decades.
NPR
In the state that’s the most deadly for pedestrians, black pedestrians are 72% more likely to be the victims of a car crash than whites.
Florida Courier
Pedestrians are often blamed first for accidents, but they have few choices when the infrastructure is lacking, a new study shows.
Streetsblog USA
Dubbed the "Seattle Squeeze," heavier traffic is expected in the new year as the Alaskan Way Viaduct closes and downtown construction projects continue. While the city prepares, activists want to use the opportunity to encourage other modes.
Crosscut
A new report by Victoria Walks, an advocacy organization in Australia, quantifies the benefits of choosing to walk. The report also benefits the multiplier of the choice to invest in pedestrian infrastructure.
The Age
Motorists tend to look out for hazards they expect. If tiny vehicles proliferate, including electric scooters, greater safety will follow.
Streetsblog USA
About two people a year are killed on Division street in Portland, and many more inured, now some fixes are in place and more are on the way.
Oregon Public Broadcasting
