Portland is making neighborhood greenways safer for pedestrians! Portland's neighborhood greenways are a network of roads that have been redesigned with bicycles and pedestrians in mind. Among other things, these streets have improved stormwater management and better pedestrian crossings. The greenways, which already have low car traffic, will now have lower speed limits as well. … Continue reading Article: Portland will lower speeds to 20 mph on residential greenway streets
Parklets gaining popularity
"Parklets" are small public spaces, typically set up in parallel parking spots, that repurpose areas usually reserved for cars into places where pedestrians can comfortably congregate. They often include movable tables and chairs, planters, and other placemaking features. Philadelphia's first parklet, at 43rd and Baltimore Avenue, was first installed in 2011 and returned this year … Continue reading Parklets gaining popularity
D.C. blogger defends “schlepping” groceries
Living without access to a car usually means that you have to "schlep" groceries home on foot or by bike or public transit. While some may see this as an inconvenience, schlepping has many health benefits, and it's not just the workout you get from carrying heavy bags across town.In a post entitled "The Hidden … Continue reading D.C. blogger defends “schlepping” groceries
Feet First Philly at Greenfest!
This year, Feet First Philly will be at Greenfest Philly, the largest environmental festival in Philadelphia! Greenfest takes place on Sunday, September 9th, 2012 from 11 to 5 in Headhouse Square at 2nd & South Streets. Check out our table for information on Feet First Philly and our ongoing photo contest, called "Where's my effin' sidewalk?".
New pedestrian plaza at 42nd and Woodland!
A new pedestrian plaza is popping up at 42nd Street and Woodland Avenue in University City! According to the Naked Philly real estate blog, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the plaza on September 19th.Do you know of any other underutilized paved areas that could be redesigned as public space for pedestrians? Tell us … Continue reading New pedestrian plaza at 42nd and Woodland!
Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides to host “Great 12-Hour Tour”
Do you like walking? No, seriously. Do you REALLY like walking? On September 8th, The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides is holding the 3rd annual "Great 12-Hour Tour of Philadelphia." That's right, twelve hours. This tour will take you on a trip through Philadelphia history, beginning at the National Constitution Center at 8:00 a.m. and winding … Continue reading Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides to host “Great 12-Hour Tour”
Article: “Older pedestrians at greatest risk of being struck”
Elderly pedestrians have a greater risk of being killed by a vehicle while walking than younger people. A study by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign (which covers Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey) found that pedestrians over 60 are over 2 times as likely to be victims of vehicle-pedestrian collisions, as reported by Philly.com in an … Continue reading Article: “Older pedestrians at greatest risk of being struck”
Article: “Somehow We’re Walking More and Walking Less At the Same Time”
A recent CDC report states that a greater percentage of Americans walked for more than ten minutes straight over the course of a week in 2010 than in 2005. However, the length of time people spend walking has dropped from an average 15 minutes per day to just 13 minutes a day. Is this good … Continue reading Article: “Somehow We’re Walking More and Walking Less At the Same Time”
Take advantage of Philly parks!
Philadelphia has been acclaimed for its vast network of parks and open space, which provides citizens with access not only to green space and playgrounds, but to a variety of programs, such as farmers' markets, that enhance the quality of life for city residents. Enhancing and expanding the parks are components of the goals for Greenworks Philadelphia, the city's plan for becoming the most sustainable city in the country.
Improving walkability through “placemaking”
One of the keys to walkability is that an area looks and feels like a good place to walk. There are many features that are typical of such places, in particular, cleanliness, well-maintained properties, the presence of other pedestrians, and low crime. To improve the perception of a place to pedestrians, certain small changes can … Continue reading Improving walkability through “placemaking”
Feet First Philly 