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Pedestrian Zones

292334830zpRocW_fsI see in the Toronto Star that the city council has decided to create two pedestrian zones, the first two of their kind in the big T.O.  Never mind that they’re miniscule; never mind that they’re both (I think) in the heart of the university core, and therefore practically pedestrian anyway – it’s a step in the right direction.

I only wish they had thought of it sooner, and that more and more cities would jump on the bandwagon.  It’s so pleasant, being able to walk and talk, shop and dine at will without having to worry about streetlights and cars splashing puddles and such.  Above is Cuba St in Wellington, a very congenial pedestrian street full of yummy cafes and cool bookstores.

Do you have pedestrian zones where you live?

– Jean AAR

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artistic tattoo
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Jean Wan
Jean Wan
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07/02/2010 9:24 pm

LeeB – I don’t drive either, so I feel your aggravation. Toronto is so un-bike-friendly it’s ridiculous. Don’t remember if it was you who said they’d been to places in NZ, but anyway you should come. There is no turning on red. Ever. A shame, but expected, that a department store can wield such influence.

MarissaB – Lucky you! It sounds lovely, especially Boulder.

And clearly I was half asleep when I wrote the blog. I find streetCARS annoying, not streetlights. Nothing wrong with streetlights. I love streetlights.

MarissaB
MarissaB
Guest
07/02/2010 10:00 am

We have 2 that I know of in Colorado: Pearl Street Mall in Boulder and 16th Street in Denver. There is no traffic on the streets per se, but cross traffic is allowed.

In Denver, 16th Street is so long that there is a shutte that runs on a specified lane. I know this doesn’t make it strictly ‘pedestrian’, but they go slow and people still have the right of way. It’s a good way to get closer to your car after a long day of strolling, shopping, eating.

There’s lots of benches to rest on. On weekends, its normal to have street performances. In Boulder, they make a big deal of planting the flower beds for the season. There are tulips in early spring, pansies and petunias in the summer, and chrysanthemums in the fall. Lots of trees, so there’s shade from them and the buildings.

LeeB.
LeeB.
Guest
07/01/2010 10:57 pm

Oh, this is a great topic. I don’t drive at all so I get annoyed at drivers who feel they have a right to turn right on red just when the light is going to change. Whew — got that off my chest.

Several years ago, voters in my city (Seattle) had to vote whether to keep one block closed to traffic in a downtown plaza. Well one department store (shall remain nameless but located on the next block) wanted the street open so people could drive by and get dropped off to go shopping. Puh-lease!!!!! Anyway, the store got its way. Boo!!!!!! I can’t believe one measly block in the entire city couldn’t stay closed to traffic.

I get spoiled when I visit Europe and walk through so many pedestrianized zones that go on for blocks and blocks, even in small cities and towns.