Why do we need walkable communities? Well, in addition to the health benefits of walking and the decreased environmental impact of car-free transportation, it turns out that walkability has an overwhelmingly positive effect on local economies. There is a growing body of evidence that walking increases economic activity and that pedestrians can be a key … Continue reading Evidence abounds for walkability as an economic development tool
More cars, more problems: Growing cities must provide mobility alternatives
Cities are growing in population worldwide. Over half of the global population now lives in urban areas, and that figure is expected to increase to 75% by 2050. However, if current trends continue, more people will mean more cars than cities can support. The number of cars worldwide has already surpassed one billion, and it … Continue reading More cars, more problems: Growing cities must provide mobility alternatives
The details of building a park over I-95
If you are familiar with the Master Plan for the Central Delaware, produced in 2011 by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, you've probably seen the image below. It's a shiny rendering that depicts a park spanning I-95 and Columbus Boulevard, creating a welcoming pedestrian connection to the Delaware River. But how feasible is this project? … Continue reading The details of building a park over I-95
America’s streets are “dangerous by design;” intersection in Omaha is a prime example
Pedestrian safety is a major issue in the United States. Between 2000 and 2009, over 47,700 pedestrians were killed. Pedestrian fatalities occur at a higher rate here than in similar countries such as Canada or Australia. One of the contributing factors to the number of pedestrian fatalities is often poor street design. In 2011, Transportation … Continue reading America’s streets are “dangerous by design;” intersection in Omaha is a prime example
UPDATE: Working Together for Complete Streets in Philadelphia
City agencies such as the Planning Commission (PCPC), the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities (MOTU), and other organizations like the Bicycle Coalition have been working hard to ensure that users of all modes of transportation can get along and travel safely in Philadelphia. They have teamed up to create guidelines and regulations for what are known … Continue reading UPDATE: Working Together for Complete Streets in Philadelphia
Article: Children who walk to school have better concentration
As this article from The Atlantic Cities explains, a recent study in Denmark found that children who walk or bike to school performed better on tasks requiring concentration than children who were driven to school. In the study, this exercise appeared to have an even greater impact on performance than eating breakfast. Cognitive improvement is … Continue reading Article: Children who walk to school have better concentration
Come to the unveiling of the Action Plan for the Ben Franklin Parkway!
The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a public meeting this coming Monday, February 4th, to unveil their new master plan for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The plan, which aims to create better public spaces along the Parkway, was developed in conjunction with PennPraxis and input from community meetings held in July 2012. … Continue reading Come to the unveiling of the Action Plan for the Ben Franklin Parkway!
Feet First Philly 