Thanks to the Bicycle Coalition, the Ben Franklin Bridge will receive a new ADA accessible pedestrian and bicycle ramp to replace the steep, narrow stairs on the Camden side, making the bridge easier for both pedestrians and cyclists to use. http://planphilly.com/new-bicycle-pedestrian-ramp-coming-ben-franklin-bridge-camden
Recent Posts
Article: Older kids now at greater risk for pedestrian injury
An article in the Philadelphia Inquirer introduces some scary statistics about pediatric pedestrian injuries. It outlines the takeaways from a report released recently by Safe Kids Worldwide concerning childhood risk of pedestrian injury. The report states that teens and tweens (kids ages 10 through 19) are now the childhood age group most likely to be … Continue reading Article: Older kids now at greater risk for pedestrian injury
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
Earn money by helping out Feet First Philly!
One of Feet First Philly's principal initiatives is to make sure that traffic signals allow pedestrians sufficient time to cross the street. We are currently conducting field surveys to assess current signal timing and other characteristics at certain intersections. The information gathered will be shared with the city of Philadelphia to ensure that all signals … Continue reading Earn money by helping out Feet First Philly!
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: Front porches making a comeback!
An article in USA Today says that 65% of new homes built last year have porches. Because front porches facilitate casual social interaction with passersby and evoke a style that was popular before suburban sprawl took off, the resurgence of the front porch shows that market preferences have shifted in favor of dense, walkable communities. … Continue reading Article: Front porches making a comeback!
Safe Routes to School
It's that time of year again--Labor Day is well behind us, a hint of fall weather is in the air, and children in the Delaware Valley are returning to school. If you like the idea of fitting exercise into daily life by walking to school but are concerned about your students' safety, look no further … Continue reading Safe Routes to School
Feet First Philly will be at Greenfest tomorrow!
Tomorrow, September 9th, Feet First Philly will be at Greenfest Philly, the largest environmental festival in Philadelphia! Greenfest takes place from 11 to 5 in Headhouse Square at 2nd & South Streets. Come to our table to speak to representatives of Feet First Philly and get information about us and our ongoing photo contest, called "Where's … Continue reading Feet First Philly will be at Greenfest tomorrow!
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
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
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