I’m sort of off topic here and just regurgitating things I have read in the NY Times, but I can ‘t stop thinking about a recent interview with Enrique Penalosa. Penalosa was formerly the mayor of Bogota, Columbia and is famous for forcing a ban on sidewalk parking in that city (and developing an enlightened plan for the city).
“A sidewalk is a symbol of equality.”
He currently advises other city’s administrations on planning and growth. He largest recommendation usually is to build accessible sidewalks and guarantee access to waterfronts and greenspaces.
My recent residential experiences have made me think more and more about sidewalks. Previously, my family and I lived in an old (civil war era) house downtown. The neighborhood had sidewalks and I would walk the block with my children several times a day. We knew everyone who lived on the block and would often stop to talk.
Currently, we live in a newer home in a suburban neighborhood (we needed a house that didn’t require constant work, we do have three children). Our new neighborhood does not have a single sidewalk. Going on a walk requires that you travel on the road. I spend a lot of time convincing my children to stay out of the street because it is for cars, but when we go on a walk, I take them to the street. We wave at our neighbors but I don’t know their names or stop to talk. I’m sure I would if we met on a sidewalk.
Not only are sidewalks fair, but they build community.
