As part of a prank staged by New York City-based collective Improv Everywhere, people dressed in orange vests pretended to be city employees acting as "seeing-eye people" for texting and walking. While the concept may sound absurd, it calls attention to how hazardous texting and walking can really be for pedestrians. Make sure to stay … Continue reading “Seeing Eye People” draw attention to the hazards of texting and walking
Notes from the Greater Philadelphia Pedestrian and Bicycle Summit
On Tuesday, April 30, the Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities and DVRPC held a summit on the state of walking and biking in our fair city. Here are some takeaways from Tuesday's summit that may be of interest to pedestrians. Ongoing trail network expansion Jeannette Brugger of the Planning Commission and Chris Linn of … Continue reading Notes from the Greater Philadelphia Pedestrian and Bicycle Summit
Science shows urban density promotes social interaction
It's no secret that dense, urban neighborhoods promote walkability, but now a scientific study shows even more benefits of density. Researchers at the University of Utah created a model to simulate social interaction based on possible live and work locations. What they found should come as no surprise: characteristics of urban sprawl, especially decentralization, significantly … Continue reading Science shows urban density promotes social interaction
Friday Article Roundup – 4/12/13
Philly, Pittsburgh lauded for rails to trails successes: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy recently recognized the Philadelphia-area agencies that collaborated to create the Circuit, the ever-expanding network of pedestrian and bicycle trails in the region. The article focuses on the Schuylkill River Trail, and the Grays Ferry Crescent addition in particular. This new portion of the trail … Continue reading Friday Article Roundup – 4/12/13
Every Body Walk! releases new walking app
With the new iPhone and Android app from Every Body Walk!, you can turn your smartphone into a pedometer! The app can record your route on a map and set targets for time, distance, or calories burned. You can also use it to share your walks with friends and family. Download the app today for … Continue reading Every Body Walk! releases new walking app
Explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Looking for a new hangout, or do you just want a change of scenery? The Greater Philadelphia Tourism & Marketing Corporation has launched a new initiative to promote key neighborhoods. On the Philadelphia Neighborhoods website, you can explore restaurants, parks, galleries, and other unique places you'll only find when you venture outside of Center City.
Support the Call to Action on Walking!
Throughout this month, support the Surgeon General's Call to Action on Walking! Watch the video to learn about the benefits of walking, including why doctors call it "the best medicine we know." Then, pledge to be a part of the movement to make Americans more active by incorporating walking into your daily routine and sharing … Continue reading Support the Call to Action on Walking!
Article: Even in car-oriented LA, discovering the benefits of walking
One writer from Los Angeles gave up her car and discovered how much money she could save and how much healthier she could be. Read all about how she is "better off ped" at Los Angeles Magazine.
Article: Redesigning urban environments for active transport
What do the mayors of London and Sydney have in common? They are both focused on improving health in their cities by redesigning the urban environment to make it easier for people to walk, bike, and take public transit. Read more in this article from the Guardian.
Philly trails expanding; preliminary designs released for Bartram’s Mile
Though the weather may still be cold, it's now officially spring. You know what that means--it's the time of year when people start returning to the city's wide network of pedestrian and bicycle trails! This year, trail users have many reasons to be excited; there are quite a few projects going on to expand existing trails … Continue reading Philly trails expanding; preliminary designs released for Bartram’s Mile
Feet First Philly 