It's no secret that dense, urban neighborhoods promote walkability, but now a scientific study shows even more benefits of density. Researchers at the University of Utah created a model to simulate social interaction based on possible live and work locations. What they found should come as no surprise: characteristics of urban sprawl, especially decentralization, significantly … Continue reading Science shows urban density promotes social interaction
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Friday Article Roundup – 4/12/13
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
Every Body Walk! releases new walking app
With the new iPhone and Android app from Every Body Walk!, you can turn your smartphone into a pedometer! The app can record your route on a map and set targets for time, distance, or calories burned. You can also use it to share your walks with friends and family. Download the app today for … Continue reading Every Body Walk! releases new walking app
Explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Looking for a new hangout, or do you just want a change of scenery? The Greater Philadelphia Tourism & Marketing Corporation has launched a new initiative to promote key neighborhoods. On the Philadelphia Neighborhoods website, you can explore restaurants, parks, galleries, and other unique places you'll only find when you venture outside of Center City.
Support the Call to Action on Walking!
Throughout this month, support the Surgeon General's Call to Action on Walking! Watch the video to learn about the benefits of walking, including why doctors call it "the best medicine we know." Then, pledge to be a part of the movement to make Americans more active by incorporating walking into your daily routine and sharing … Continue reading Support the Call to Action on Walking!
Article: Even in car-oriented LA, discovering the benefits of walking
One writer from Los Angeles gave up her car and discovered how much money she could save and how much healthier she could be. Read all about how she is "better off ped" at Los Angeles Magazine.
Article: Redesigning urban environments for active transport
What do the mayors of London and Sydney have in common? They are both focused on improving health in their cities by redesigning the urban environment to make it easier for people to walk, bike, and take public transit. Read more in this article from the Guardian.
Philly trails expanding; preliminary designs released for Bartram’s Mile
Though the weather may still be cold, it's now officially spring. You know what that means--it's the time of year when people start returning to the city's wide network of pedestrian and bicycle trails! This year, trail users have many reasons to be excited; there are quite a few projects going on to expand existing trails … Continue reading Philly trails expanding; preliminary designs released for Bartram’s Mile
Article: Washington, D.C. school performance and walkability
As part of an open data initiative, members of the Code for DC Brigade found a correlation between higher public school performance and walkability. It is also known that walkability and access to transit increase real estate values. What does this say about DC schools, or about walkable neighborhoods, for that matter? In an … Continue reading Article: Washington, D.C. school performance and walkability
Article: History tells us that the end of the car era may be closer than we think
This article in The Atlantic Cities compares the car to older technologies such as the steamboat. At one point, it may have been hard to picture a society without these vessels, which played a huge role in the transportation of freight in the 1800's. However, thanks to technological developments since then, the steamboat has become … Continue reading Article: History tells us that the end of the car era may be closer than we think
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