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”
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
New pedestrian signals around 30th St. Station are a bit more vocal
As part of a PennDOT improvement project, the pedestrian signals at Market and Chestnut streets between 30th and Schuylkill Avenue have been upgraded with an automated-voice feature telling pedestrians when it is safe to cross the street. According to Plan Philly, the automated-voice signals have had mixed reviews. While the audible cues are intended to increase pedestrian … Continue reading New pedestrian signals around 30th St. Station are a bit more vocal
Submit a proposal to be featured in Next City’s Commercial Corridors forum!
Are you doing something to help revitalize a commercial corridor in your town or neighborhood and make it more liveable? Would you like to receive recognition for it and a chance to present your work at a public forum in February? If so, take a moment to enter Next City's Commercial Corridors contest. They are … Continue reading Submit a proposal to be featured in Next City’s Commercial Corridors forum!
Why “pop-up” placemaking may be a misnomer
Marcus Westbury, Australian urbanist and founder of the nonprofit "Renew Newcastle," believes that the terminology often used for small-scale projects meant to revitalize urban places and kick start development can be misleading. Phrases such as "pop-up parks" and "tactical urbanism" suggest temporary fixes to persistent problems, which misses the bigger point that the methods used … Continue reading Why “pop-up” placemaking may be a misnomer
Article: Ten steps of walkability
Walkable City, the new book by urban planner Jeff Speck, has been getting a lot of attention. It's been touted as one of the top ten planning books of 2013, and it's a valuable read for anyone interested in the benefits of walkability (for more info, read this interview with the author over at The Atlantic Cities). Kaid Benfield … Continue reading Article: Ten steps of walkability
Park(ing) Day creates more space for people
Philadelphia has lots of great public spaces, but for today only, a few more have popped up. It's Park(ing) Day, where citizens and organizations transform ordinary street parking spots into public spaces! Park(ing) Day is a worldwide event held on the third Friday in September. This year, activists, artists, and others have created 59 temporary … Continue reading Park(ing) Day creates more space for people
Article: Portland will lower speeds to 20 mph on residential greenway streets
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
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!
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.
Feet First Philly 