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”
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”
Another distracted SEPTA patron makes the [international] news
A surveillance video of a man falling off the platform at the Berks station on the Market-Frankford El was the subject of a recent article in the UK's Daily Mail. The man was talking on his cell phone--further proof that distracted walking can be very dangerous! Click the link below to read the article and … Continue reading Another distracted SEPTA patron makes the [international] news
Did you know? Philly Streets Dept. publishes a weekly schedule of streets being repaved!
The wheels of cars, buses, and trucks can easily roll over the uneven pavement on streets that are being repaved. Pedestrians, however, do not have it quite as easy when crossing these streets. Roadways that are being repaved can be hazardous for a number of reasons. Manhole covers often protrude above the street, which can … Continue reading Did you know? Philly Streets Dept. publishes a weekly schedule of streets being repaved!
Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the news
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway has been gathering a lot of well-deserved attention recently. The opening of the new Barnes Foundation has added one more gem to the Parkway’s famous array of cultural institutions, which includes the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, and the main branch of the city’s Free Library. The parkway is … Continue reading Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the news
Article: “Distracted walking a growing phone-related danger”
Texting and walking is no laughing matter! Last year, 1,152 people were admitted into hospital emergency rooms for "injuries suffered while walking and using a cellphone or some other electronic device." Phones, iPods, and other electronic devices take your attention away from your surroundings, making it easier to become a victim of a distracted walking … Continue reading Article: “Distracted walking a growing phone-related danger”
“Walk Appeal” affects how pedestrians interact with the built environment
The built environment has a huge influence on walkability. You probably have an idea of what features of a street make it more or less walkable, but have you given it much thought? There are a number of different frameworks that have been developed to guide the way we think about this. Some, such as … Continue reading “Walk Appeal” affects how pedestrians interact with the built environment
Pedestrian Safety and the Law
There are many laws in place that are meant to protect pedestrians. In New Jersey, drivers must come to a complete stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. In PA, cars have to yield to pedestrians at intersections without a traffic signal, whether or not the crosswalk is marked. Philadelphia law specifically states that vehicles may … Continue reading Pedestrian Safety and the Law
SEPTA receives funding for 69th Street Transportation Center improvements
SEPTA was recently awarded a $5 million grant through the Federal Transit Administration's State of Good Repair and Bus Livability programs, which awarded $787 million to transit projects in 48 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The money that SEPTA receives will be put toward the renovation of 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby. The … Continue reading SEPTA receives funding for 69th Street Transportation Center improvements
Feet First Philly 