I've been writing a lot about urban planning lately, especially since today's episode of Issues Forums deals with the casinos and waterfront planning, so here's a story about what happened when one London street was stipped "naked" (via "The 13th Floor"). Given the emphasis that urban planners like to place on preserving the pedestrian friendly aspects of the urban landscape, it's interesting how, according to the "shared space" philosophy, bringing walkers in closer contact with cars may actually make them safer.
Could you imagine east Market Street without curbs, lines or crosswalks? Yeah... neither can I.
Comments (1)
Interesting idea. Is High Street Kensington as busy as Market? Also, it looks like they have a median in the middle, which is helpful. And it looks like it's a modified version of the concept, since there are still traffic and pedestrian lights, and a shallow curb. I am having trouble seeing what's special about this particular application.
Perhaps it's just a matter of learned behavior, but I bristle at the thought of having to take turns with drivers. It's bad enough in the city when you have clear right-of-way. You make eye contact with the driver, they scowl--either at the situation or at you, depending how the time of day and whether or not they are from New Jersey--you take a tenuous step into the intersection and pray you don't get knocked flat. What a headache. I can't imagine having to go through all of this in the morning, when all I want to do is guzzle down my coffee and drowsily obey the rules of the road, however arbitrary.
The point about improved traffic flow, however, is well-taken.
Posted by jordon | August 2, 2007 2:12 PM