Sam Newberg out of Minneapolis (aka Joe Urban) uses a Vancouver shot to illustrate his indicators of walkable neighbourhoods. So I’ll borrow a few.
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You might be in a walkable neighbourhood …
… if the restaurants post their menus in the window.
… if you can walk for blocks without seeing a parking lot.
… if you can get your groceries on foot.
Urban Fare in Coal Harbour
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… if cars slow down for people at crosswalks (regardless of the law).
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… if the distance across the street is less than the length of the left turn lane.
… if the sidewalk is wider than the adjacent lane of traffic.
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… if you stand in the street and see more pedestrians than moving vehicles. (Thank you, Gordon Price) (You’re welcome, Joe)
… if even the blank wall along the sidewalk is scaled well and pleasant to walk past.
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… if you have a big smile on your face, just strolling around, and you don’t know why and you don’t really care.
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Lots more ‘ifs’ here.
Good thoughts!