Feet First Philly is taking a short break from the internet to celebrate our nation's birthday next week. We'll be back in full swing on July 5th! In the meantime, enjoy this collection of news and blog posts from the pedestrian sphere. • Chalfont Playground in Northeast Philly gets new play equipment and a sprayground! (NEastPhilly.com) • This summer, Parks … Continue reading Links for the week of 6/24
Must cities choose between walking and driving?
According to a survey of CEO's and other business leaders in Washington, D.C., 99% want to ease traffic flow between the city and suburbs. However, 89% said that they would like to see walkable communities where amenities are located near residential districts. Struggle to balance these interests in the city's transportation plan. As the Greater … Continue reading Must cities choose between walking and driving?
Police to crack down on traffic violations
The roads are about to get a lot more orderly (and hopefully a lot safer in the process). This month, the Philadelphia police announced that they would crack down on traffic violations by increasing police presence on the city's streets. This means that all road users - drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike - will be … Continue reading Police to crack down on traffic violations
Show your support for trails in the Philadelphia region!
The city recently celebrated the opening of two new trails, the Penn Street Trail and the 58th Street Greenway. The Penn Street Trail runs along the Delaware River and will part of a continuous 5-mile path that wil be called the Delaware Waterfront Trail. The 58th Street Greenway is part of the East Coast Greenway, and … Continue reading Show your support for trails in the Philadelphia region!
“Baltimore Crossing” pedestrian plaza improves walkability on Baltimore Ave.
Last week, University City District completed a new pedestrian plaza that they are calling Baltimore Crossing. The new pedestrian plaza greatly improves walkability at 48th and Baltimore. As PlanPhilly reports, the five-pointed intersection was "notoriously wide [and] difficult to cross." Now, the intersection is now replete with planters and stone barriers on painted bump-outs that … Continue reading “Baltimore Crossing” pedestrian plaza improves walkability on Baltimore Ave.
Pedestrian walking speed affects how we plan
Today's news is all about walking speed. Traffic signals are required by federal regulations to provide adequate time for pedestrians to cross. But just how much time is adequate? It depends on many factors, including the size and type of the intersection and how fast you are able to cross the street. In an article published … Continue reading Pedestrian walking speed affects how we plan
Friday Links – 6/7/13
Here's a roundup of the latest pedestrian news, brought to you by Feet First Philly. Have a great weekend! AARP's Livable Communities initiative aims to create "great places for all ages." In this article on their website, Sarah Clark Stuart of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is praised for her work on bike and … Continue reading Friday Links – 6/7/13
Friday links for 5/31/13
New York Times: A Streetcorner Serenade for the Public Plaza. The New York City Department of Transportation is focusing on projects that can be completed quickly, easily and with relatively little investment in order to turn underutilized spaces into public plazas. Many other cities, including Philly, have had great success creating public spaces like this. As … Continue reading Friday links for 5/31/13
Article: Mexico City creates public spaces from vacant areas under freeways
In many American cities (not just in the U.S.), highway infrastructure has changed the urban landscape and created new challenges for planners. Mexico City has developed a unique strategy for dealing with one of these challenges; namely, the empty space under highway overpasses. These areas, which were previously occupied by vagrants and unlicensed parking lots, … Continue reading Article: Mexico City creates public spaces from vacant areas under freeways
Walk Score announces new Android app
Our friends at Walk Score have announced the release of their free app for Android devices! Download the app, which is also available for iPhone, to instantly get the walkability of your location and find amenities such as restaurants and shops near you.
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