From CityLab — Getting smaller cities walking

After counting pedestrians on hundreds of blocks (sampled for different densities, districts, and Walk Scores), a group of researchers found that active uses (i.e., well-trafficked buildings or busy parks, schools, and cafes), street furniture or items (from benches to fire hydrants to ATM machines), and first-floor windows (measured by window-to-facade ratio) all had statistically positive relationships to the number of pedestrians. 

But are these findings applicable elsewhere? There’s so much that sets New York apart from other American cities: its density, its walkability, its spread of urban versus suburban development, among others. What about smaller towns? What are the design traits that most encourage pedestrian activity on these streets? Read more: New Study Shows Urban Design Matters When It Comes to Pedestrian Activity in Salt Lake City - CityLab

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From @slowstreets — "We tend to underestimate the total cost of automobile transportation"

"We tend to underestimate the total cost of #automobile transportation." Via @discourse_media: http://t.co/mc3aDfi7dv pic.twitter.com/mdigyjkyvH

— Slow Streets (@slowstreets) July 29, 2015

From The National Film Board — City Limits with Jane Jacobs, 1971

City Limits by Laurence Hyde, National Film Board of Canada

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Nanaimo downtown harbourfront @storify

#Nanaimo harbourfront walk cc @MikeVelonas

Posted by Nanaimo Commons on Saturday, July 25, 2015

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Sidewalks are a social space... oh, and they can also be used for walking

#Sidewalks are a social space, and a place for commerce. Oh, and they can also be used for #walking. #UrbanDesign pic.twitter.com/DskgjB58rq

— AntonioGomez-Palacio (@aurbanist) July 25, 2015

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In a car dependent city alternative modes can't be achieved without reducing car infrastructure #streetdiet

— TheSidewalkBallet (@1sidewalkballet) July 25, 2015

Cities that won't accept this principle will always be car first regardless of high-minded jargon and plans #Nanaimo https://t.co/udjKd59MZL

— NanaimoCommons (@NanaimoCommons) July 25, 2015

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