Philly, Pittsburgh lauded for rails to trails successes: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy recently recognized the Philadelphia-area agencies that collaborated to create the Circuit, the ever-expanding network of pedestrian and bicycle trails in the region. The article focuses on the Schuylkill River Trail, and the Grays Ferry Crescent addition in particular. This new portion of the trail … Continue reading Friday Article Roundup – 4/12/13
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
Article: Designing good cities for walking
Streetsblog.org has posted excerpts from acclaimed Danish Architect Jan Gehl's book "Cities for People." When it comes to designing a good public space for people to linger in or walk through, Jan Gehl has it practically down to a science. For instance, he says that 1,640 feet is the distance most pedestrians find to be an … Continue reading Article: Designing good cities for walking
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
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”
“Where’s my effin’ sidewalk” photo contest starts tomorrow!
The "Where's my effin' sidewalk?" project is a photo/video contest that Feet First Philly is holding, starting August 1, 2012. We are asking you to submit photos and videos of sidewalk encroachments* that you encounter in Philadelphia. These will be posted on FFP's flickr stream, and the three that make the most powerful statements will win a … Continue reading “Where’s my effin’ sidewalk” photo contest starts tomorrow!
A sweltering summer in Philadelphia: Tips for keeping cool and walking in the heat
According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat is the deadliest type of weather in the United States. Each year, it kills more people than hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and lightning combined. The elderly, infants, and those with physical and mental ailments are at especially high risk for the consequences of overexposure to heat. Taking precautionary … Continue reading A sweltering summer in Philadelphia: Tips for keeping cool and walking in the heat
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