Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Urban Design

StreetFilms: Berkeley’s Bike Boulevards

By Aaron Naparstek | Jan 24, 2007 | 10 Comments

Berkeley’s Bike BoulevardsRunning time: 8 minutes 12 seconds "Bicycle Boulevards really gives the cyclist the sense of owning the road and being able to take the lane and being able to be in the middle of the street where they can avoid the door zone. Cars are expecting that they’re going to have to wait […]

Homemade Traffic Calming in Mexico’s Yucatan

By Aaron Naparstek | Jan 17, 2007 | 13 Comments

From Wired Magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly’s web site Throughout Mexico "topes" or speed bumps, are ubiquitous. These can be metal pods arrayed across the road, or asphalt humps, or even significant concrete wedges. You really do have to slow down, and almost stop to crawl over them. There is usually a sign warning they are […]

Traffic Signals Timed for Bicycling

By Aaron Naparstek | Jan 17, 2007 | 15 Comments

Here is an interesting bike infrastructure story out of Copenhagen, Denmark. 30,000 Cyclists Get the Green Wave: Cars and especially buses have for year had the benefit of a green traffic light wave on the roads. But now it is the cyclists turn to enjoy a smooth ride through the city without stopping at red […]

Playable Streets

By Aaron Naparstek | Jan 10, 2007 | 3 Comments

The New York Times has a story today about efforts underway to develop a creative new playground near the South Street Seaport. The city has been working with David Rockwell interior designer for Nobu and the Mohegan Sun Casino, on a playground that eschews traditional playground aparati in favor of foam blocks, water, cardboard tubes, […]

New Traffic Island Makes News, Takes a Beating

By Aaron Donovan | Jan 10, 2007 | 20 Comments

Here’s the scene at the corner of Grand Street and the F.D.R. Drive, where motorists exiting the expressway turn 90 degrees onto the local street. The DOT recently installed this modest pedestrian refuge island, which sparked an outcry from area residents, who complained that the island was hard to see. This island is great. It slows the cars making […]

Streetscape Aesthetics vs. Pedestrian Safety

By Glenn McAnanama | Jan 4, 2007 | 34 Comments

A sacrifice we were willing to make: Until 1922, much of Park Avenue was, in fact, a park. Looking north on Park Ave at about 50th Street. That’s Saint Bartholomew’s Church on the right. Peter Hornbeck was killed on January 10th 2004 in a horrific hit and run crash on 96th and Park Avenue. The driver […]

Show More Stories