Let's Build the Cities of the Future

NEW YORK -- Talk to any proud city resident and they'll tell you their town is like no other place on earth. Its food, weather, parks, architecture, place in history, politics and entertainment -- and, of course, its sports teams. What they don't always embrace with the same enthusiasm is the one thing they have in common with every city resident: their streets. Whether you're in New York or Nairobi, Mexico City or Manila, the street is the first and last place we visit each day, and the backdrop for everything in between. But despite this starring role in urban life, too many streets worldwide are treated like bit players -- smothered in traffic, difficult to walk and bike around, bad for business and harmful to public health. Whether loved, ignored or squandered, cities are defined by their streets. While they all remain susceptible to the same malignant strains of city planning (urban renewal, anyone?) there's also great opportunity for change. While the transportation challenges urban centers face today are universal, so are the solutions, which can be readily transmitted across borders and oceans. As metropolises worldwide grow larger and denser, they're feeling the same pressure to heal the wounds inflicted by car-centric street designs. There's a newfound urgency to design streets that expand access to jobs and city services; reduce traffic crashes, pollution and climate change; and contribute to the quality of life and desirability of our communities. So, what do ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news