Walkable
communities
Ingredients of a
Walkable Street
"How does a
community create "walkable" streets? Streets that feels
safe for all - particularly seniors and children? Streets that are
sociable due to large numbers of pedestrian users? Streets that are
richly interesting? Streets that provide comfort? Streets that breed a
strong sense of civic pride?
"There are a number
of essential ingredients that a community must use to craft and sustain
a walkable street."
Urban Advantage
Photo-realistic
visualizations that make development visions palpably real and
understandable. One of the very best sites I've seen on
walkability.
Economic
Benefits of a Walkable Community
"Economic
development planning in communities of all size should recognize the
importance
of walkability. Local investment in pedestrian-oriented infrastructure
and land uses can improve walkability and economic viability."
The
Economic Benefits of Walkable Communities
This is actually a different but no less interesting article.
"According to a 1998 analysis by ERE Yarmouth and Real Estate Research
Corporation, real estate values over the next 25 years will rise
fastest in “smart communities” that incorporate traditional
characteristics of successful cities including a mix of residential and
commercial districts and a 'pedestrian-friendly configuration.'"
Economic
Value of Walkability
An in-depth look at the same issue as above.
Center
for Community Economic Development A set of excellent
articles.
"The Center for Community Economic Development, University of Wisconsin
Extension, creates, applies and transfers multidisciplinary knowledge
to
help people understand community change and identify opportunities."
Walkable
Communities, Inc's website What
walkable communities are, where they can be found, economic benefits,
health
benefits.
|
A walkable (and bikeable) community can
improve physical
activity and personal health. Walkable streets, like this one in
Monterey,
Calif., can include wide sidewalks, attractive paving, traffic-calming
street design, shade trees and planters. (Photo: Dan Burden) |
Examples
of pharmacies / convience stores designed for walkable communities
Living
in the Suburbs Can Make You Sick
To improve our health, the
study
suggests we should build cities where people feel comfortable walking
and
are not so dependent on cars
WalkArlington:
website full of resources to help us understand why "walkability is one
critical aspect of a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community."
Eastwood's
Last Stand
An old-fashioned
neighborhood embraces
urban planning to control its destiny
(includes history of
Sunnycrest
Golf Course)
Making
a Great Public Realm 34
pictures are worth 34,000 words. If you are still not sure of why
design
on a human scale is so important, take a look at these pictures.
"Downtown Lodi, California
(city
population of 60,000) launched a $4.5 million public-private pedestrian
oriented project, including a retrofit of five main street blocks from
building face to building face. On the main School Street, sidewalks
were
widened, curbs bulbed out at intersections and colored paving stones
laid
in the new sidewalks and street. A striking gateway was installed, as
well
as 140 street trees, lighting, benches, and other streetscape
amenities. The
city credits the pedestrian improvements, as well as economic
development
incentives, with the 60 new businesses, the drop in the vacancy rate
from
18% to 6% and 30% increase in downtown sales tax revenues."- Economic
Benefits of a Walkable Community |
