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!
Oklahoma City mayor: “We have to start building this city for people”
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
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