Friday, February 24, 2012

This week on foot

Is it just me, or has it been busier than normal out there in pedestrian land? The most pressing topic of the day continues to be the transportation bill renewal, and this week we learn from Transportation for America that The more they see, the less they like: 10 reasons why opposition to the House transportation bill is growing. Fortunately some in Congress are on board with that sentiment, like Oregon's Blumenauer: Don’t Let American Streets Remain Unsafe Routes to School. Too bad more folks in Congress don't seem to understand that good Transportation laws can affect health , on top of all their other benefits.

And it's not just in the US that Pedestrians not welcome on roads--as we've often discussed, India has its problems as well. Meanwhile over in Australia, one blogger wonders Is “eyes on the street” straining it? 

Back in this country, a National Walkability Expert to Address Value of Trails in Indiana, while In NYC, Florida, Asking Police to Step Up for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety , Denver is urged to hit the sidewalks and there's a $6.8M project to improve bicycle, pedestrian trails that will link Camden, Philadelphia.

Here in LA one blog offers a Sneak Peek: East Cahuenga Pedestrian Alley Opens Tomorrow (er, yesterday), and There Will Be Polka Dots: Silver Lake Gets Adorable Pedestrian Plaza --but in the Valley, Northridge residents can't get city to fix buckled sidewalk.

Sacramento pedestrians have their troubles as well, where Amtrak riders must walk two-block distance to catch trains downtown. And while Texas Cities May Be Turning the Corner on Pedestrian Safety, in Canada Traffic countdown signal not helping, study finds

Oh, and in case you were wondering, That pedestrian crossing sign does NOT mean "run them over"--like in this case where a Pedestrian Gets Hit in Crosswalk by Car | Driver Says He Didn't See the Person at Night.  Of course it's not always darkness that's a problem--often it's those pesky devices that we seem to be so fond of using while driving. Fortunately this week the DOT Issues Voluntary Guidelines for Driver-Distracting Electronics Systems. With these, maybe soon we won't have to keep asking How did the pedestrian cross the street?

No comments:

Post a Comment