1 + 3 + 9 (Take Two)

1
Our urban streets need to be reclaimed from the isolating automobile traffic to become hubs of pedestrian activity.

3
The decision made mid-century to fund the growth of the automobile has stymied the development of meaningful walkable places. Pedestrian movement is relegated to utilitarian sidewalks which mount increasing pressure on the adjacent storefronts. Punctures appear in the facade where the tension of interior activity begins to break through.

9

Views of Strøget, the main shopping street in
Copenhagen, 1950s (left) and 1995 (right)
[from New City Spaces by Jan Gehl and Lars Gemzøe]

The United States is not alone in its divisive attitude towards cars and people on its streets. Europe also struggles with the encroachment of vehicles into the pedestrian realm. Copenhagen's medieval city plazas were, in the mid- twentieth century, dense car parks and its inner city streets clogged with vehicular traffic. In 1962 the streets were reclaimed from the automobile traffic that choked the air and the streets and now the city center, while still accessible by car, thrives with vibrant pedestrian activity.  Oslo is redeveloping its previously industrial waterfront into a bustling residential and recreational area that is reachable but not penetrable by cars. The water's edge sees an active streets cafe and restaurant scene that, with heat lamps and fleece blankets, pushes the comfort zone well into November and March. Every Sunday from April to November, Boston's Memorial Drive closes to vehicular traffic and promotes active pedestrian activity. This American example of accommodation for pedestrian movement encourages better integration of people and cars. The American will not give up the automobile and neither should be forced to; the automobile will be with us for many more years.  By providing more compelling and desirable walkable streets, Americans might see the street as not only a route to get from here to there but a place to be absorbed and enjoyed.