When Oklahoma City was ranked the second-fattest city in America in 2009, Mayor Mick Cornett examined the problem and declared that the city's car-oriented design and unfriendly streets were at fault. Pedestrian-unfriendly design was detracting from the city's livability, which also meant that it contributed to the outmigration of young, intelligent workers - often known … Continue reading Oklahoma City mayor: “We have to start building this city for people”
In memory of Happy Fernandez
In appreciation: Among Happy Fernandez's many contributions to the City of Philadelphia, we at Feet First Philly are particularly grateful for her interest in pedestrian issues. As chair of City Council's Transportation Committee, Dr. Fernandez held hearings in 1996 on pedestrian safety with testimony from dozens of witnesses including a spokesperson from PhillyWalks, the precursor … Continue reading In memory of Happy Fernandez
Winter Walking Tips
With temperatures in the mid to upper 20's this week in the Philadelphia area, there is no question that winter has arrived. However, you don't have to let the cold weather deter you from walking. Bundle up and get back out there! Here are some winter walking tips to make your winter walks as comfortable … Continue reading Winter Walking Tips
Every Body Walk! campaign encourages walking for your health
Every Body Walk! is an online educational campaign aimed at getting Americans up and moving. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve your health, and it's advocated by doctors everywhere (including the Surgeon General) as a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. The educational materials and videos available at … Continue reading Every Body Walk! campaign encourages walking for your health
Article: America is a Walking Disaster
This article from The Atlantic Cities explains how car-oriented design and policies have made suburban areas inhospitable for pedestrians. For example, as one contributor to the Greater Greater Washington blog found out, it can take as much as 8 1/2 minutes to legally cross a suburban street! How can we shift policy and design to … Continue reading Article: America is a Walking Disaster
New pedestrian signals around 30th St. Station are a bit more vocal
As part of a PennDOT improvement project, the pedestrian signals at Market and Chestnut streets between 30th and Schuylkill Avenue have been upgraded with an automated-voice feature telling pedestrians when it is safe to cross the street. According to Plan Philly, the automated-voice signals have had mixed reviews. While the audible cues are intended to increase pedestrian … Continue reading New pedestrian signals around 30th St. Station are a bit more vocal
Submit a proposal to be featured in Next City’s Commercial Corridors forum!
Are you doing something to help revitalize a commercial corridor in your town or neighborhood and make it more liveable? Would you like to receive recognition for it and a chance to present your work at a public forum in February? If so, take a moment to enter Next City's Commercial Corridors contest. They are … Continue reading Submit a proposal to be featured in Next City’s Commercial Corridors forum!
Male pedestrians twice as likely to die in collisions with vehicles
Male pedestrians are more likely to be killed in collisions with vehicles. A study published last November in the journal Injury Prevention set out to determine why this is. The researchers looked at a number of factors, including distance walked, but found out that this is probably not the cause; men and women walk about … Continue reading Male pedestrians twice as likely to die in collisions with vehicles
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