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Post-WWII, car-centric street design hindered pedestrian and cyclist safety. Recent shifts prioritize people, but conflicts with emergency response need addressing. Webinar explores solutions to make streets safer. https://lnkd.in/gXe_Yyz3 #visionzero #streetsafety #trafficcalming #emergencyresponse

Curbs are the mediator of urbanity — marking boundaries, dictating movement, and ensuring safety in a realm where vehicles might meet human vulnerability. 🛣 But what happens when this aspect of road planning is neglected? How might we better utilize curbs to increase street safety for all transit modes? 🚲 🚌 When cities prioritize features that enhance safety, accessibility, and functionality, they send a message that they value the needs of all citizens, regardless of their abilities. 📌 🔗 Read my Varsity Publications Inc. article here: https://lnkd.in/dbNaSvTi #urbanplanning #roadsafety #journalism #universityoftoronto #uoft

This week, I had the privilege of participating in our second #urbanclab #FieldTrip to #Detroit. We delved into the city's history, grappled with its challenges, and brainstormed innovative solutions inspired by lessons learned here and from our global partners #BuroHappold. Below is a brief clip of our e-scooter ride along the renowned Dequindre Cut, with my colleague Kirsten Melling and Alexis Santella. It was a beautiful afternoon, and my first scooter ride was an incredible experience. Yet, as we considered this public realm as a #NatureBasedSolution to Detroit's challenges, such as #FutureMobility and #UrbanTransformation, several questions arose. Why were there so few people on the route? Was it too straight? Could there be more exit points and destinations along the way? Could the route feature more than just grass and murals? How were the scooters charged? Could the scooter ride be made more affordable? Asking these questions doesn't imply that the current situation is inadequate. Nothing is perfect. The Dequindre Cut, along with other projects we visited in Detroit like the Detroit Riverfront, Joe Louis Greenway, and Eastern Market, are all remarkable examples of recent urban development. These experiences continue to inspire us to explore solutions to the challenges our city faces.

Historically, roadways aren’t built for active transportation – meaning pedestrian, bike, or transit traffic. - Sidewalks are too narrow; - Roadways are too wide to traverse; - Transit stops are spaced too far apart; and - Bikes are forced to share the road with cars. The result: a steady increase in vehicle-related injuries (including death) and a decline in active transportation across North America. We hope to change that at Lakeview Village by introducing a number of things that will allow residents to reclaim how they use roadways - and, most importantly, without the use of a car. Read more in our latest Thought Leadership article. https://ow.ly/kjtm50ShsIk

In the complex urban terrain where securing a parking spot can be as daunting as navigating a maze, the divergent journeys of Alex and Jordan unveil the profound impact of Parking-United.com. Empowered by this technological marvel, Alex epitomizes the pinnacle of modern urban mobility, effortlessly reserving a spot prior to departure. With its real-time updates and intuitive navigation, Alex elegantly traverses bustling city streets, evading the frustration of aimless circling. Conversely, Jordan's expedition unfolds without the guidance of Parking-United.com, fraught with peril and frustration, culminating in a regrettable collision born of distraction and the absence of timely assistance. This stark juxtaposition underscores the pivotal contrast: Alex, guided serenely to their destination, while Jordan grapples with chaos, risking accidents and mounting tension. The resounding verdict echoes resolutely: Parking-United.com not only streamlines parking logistics but also cultivates a culture of safer driving practices, propelling us towards a future where technology seamlessly integrates with urban living, mitigating stress and fortifying safety. The choice between embracing convenience or enduring chaos lies within the tap of a download button, heralding a transformative era in the urban driving experience.

🎙️ Are you curious about how Kirkwood is working to make our streets safer for everyone? Pedestrian and cyclist safety is a top priority for the City, and through the Vision Zero Action Plan, we're committed to reducing traffic-related deaths and serious injuries on our streets. In a recent interview with KMOX, Jonathan Raiche, Kirkwood's Planning & Development Services Director, shared insightful details about the steps we're taking to reach this goal and the critical role community input plays in shaping these changes. The Vision Zero Action Plan is a comprehensive effort designed to prioritize safety through smart urban planning, improved infrastructure, and data-driven decisions. At its core, it’s about creating a safer environment for all—whether you're walking to a local park, biking to work, or simply crossing the street. One of the key elements of this initiative is community involvement. By actively seeking input from Kirkwood residents, we’re able to understand local safety concerns and directly address them. Jonathan discusses how feedback from the community is helping to identify high-risk areas and ensure that the implemented changes reflect the needs and experiences of those who use our streets every day. By listening to the voices of residents and collaborating on solutions, the Vision Zero plan is shaping the future of Kirkwood’s streets. This is more than just a policy—it's a long-term vision that requires commitment from all of us to ensure safer, more accessible roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. If you’re interested in hearing more about how Kirkwood is planning for a safer future, make sure to listen to the full interview. It's an informative discussion that highlights the City's proactive approach to enhancing safety across the community. 🔗 Listen to the interview here: https://lnkd.in/g6mjkWRB To learn more about Kirkwood's Vision Zero Action Plan, visit the City's Streets are for Everyone webpage at https://lnkd.in/gv9YETMi and click on the arrow to the right of the tab titled Vision Zero. Once there, you will also be able to take part in the two studies currently being conducted by the City. #VisionZero #KirkwoodSafety #CommunityEngagement #SafeStreets #UrbanPlanning

The City of Cleveland recently launched public engagement for Cleveland Moves – the City’s 5-year multimodal transportation plan. Cleveland Moves will create a strategy that builds on the City’s ongoing work to make it safer, more comfortable, and more convenient to walk, bike, and take transit in the city, including: - Updating the 2007 Bikeway Master Plan to recommend a connected bike network for riders of all ages and abilities for 3-year rapid implementation - Building on the Vision Zero Action Plan by taking a deep dive into bicycle and pedestrian safety issues to identify priority investments to make walking and rolling safer and more comfortable for everyone - Reviewing existing programs and policies and address gaps related to walking, rolling, and riding bikes - Developing the look and feel of the Midway Bikeway Network - Integrating ongoing projects and new recommendations into a 5-year prioritization and implementation plan as required by Cleveland’s 2002 Complete and Green Streets Ordinance Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eUx-Yv4K

In the bustling urban maze where finding parking is akin to a labyrinthine challenge, the parallel narratives of Alex and Jordan underscore the profound impact of Parking-United.com. Empowered by this innovative solution, Alex embodies the epitome of modern urban mobility, effortlessly securing a spot before setting out. With its real-time updates and intuitive navigation, Alex seamlessly navigates through congested city streets, sidestepping the frustration of aimless circling. Conversely, Jordan's journey unfolds without the guidance of Parking-United.com, fraught with peril and frustration, culminating in a collision fueled by distraction and a lack of timely assistance. This poignant contrast highlights the pivotal difference: Alex, smoothly guided to their destination, while Jordan grapples with chaos, risking accidents and heightened tension. The resounding verdict resounds: Parking-United.com not only simplifies parking logistics but also fosters a culture of safer driving practices, heralding a future where technology seamlessly integrates with urban life, alleviating stress and fortifying safety. The choice between embracing convenience or enduring chaos is within reach, marking a monumental evolution in the urban driving experience.

As road transportation professionals worldwide focus their attention on making streets safer for all, a key part of their work is ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. In the final article of our three-part series on improving traffic safety for all, we examine some of the tools that transportation professionals can use to implement the Safe System and Complete Streets approaches. Read on to learn more.

As road transportation professionals worldwide focus their attention on making streets safer for all, a key part of their work is ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users. In the final article of our three-part series on improving traffic safety for all, we examine some of the tools that transportation professionals can use to implement the Safe System and Complete Streets approaches. Read on to learn more.