In an article published today, Philadelphia Inquirer architecture critic Inga Saffron laments not only the bleak design of a new parking garage on 16th Street in Center City, but the way parking garages in general are counterproductive to enhancing city life. Not only do parking garages encourage people to drive rather than walk or take transit, but they … Continue reading Article: “Lifeless” parking garage interferes with city life
Evidence abounds for walkability as an economic development tool
Why do we need walkable communities? Well, in addition to the health benefits of walking and the decreased environmental impact of car-free transportation, it turns out that walkability has an overwhelmingly positive effect on local economies. There is a growing body of evidence that walking increases economic activity and that pedestrians can be a key … Continue reading Evidence abounds for walkability as an economic development tool
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: 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
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!
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!
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
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