In 2008, Project for Public Spaces collaborated with AARP to create and publish a set of documents that would provide the elderly with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully interact with their local Department of Transportation. The processes involved with addressing concerns about local infrastructure can be intimidating if one does not have a clear understanding of how they system operates. A person may become frustrated when he or she feels their opinion on a matter has not been heard.
Today, more than ever, we are faced with environmental and economic challenges that will define our generation, shape our future, and test our resilience as cities, regions, states and a nation. Join leaders from across the U.S. as we tackle these challenges head-on and demonstrate smart growth solutions that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, create a green economy, assure a healthy population, and expand transportation and housing options for all Americans.
The key to livability is “putting people first,” according to Danish urbanist Jan Gehl. This could not be presented more simply, nor more accurately.
Last week, in concert with the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy’s exhibit “Our Cities Ourselves,” Jan Gehl, along with co-author Walter Hook, published a report on the principles of improved transportation in urban areas that place the pedestrian as their priority. The report is called “Our Cities Ourselves: 10 Principles for Transport in Urban Life” and the exhibit launched on Thursday, June 24th, at the New York Center for Architecture. Gehl’s principles aim to address the challenges that we face in the 21st century, such as rapid population growth and climate change, to reposition cities as lively, safe, sustainable and healthy, as they were meant to be.
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) encourages its 1,500 member organizations to institute programs for seniors through the publication of research reports, collaboration with other organizations, production of webinars, promotion of case studies, and the provision of other resources, such as those found in the “Older Americans Outreach Toolkit.”
Current Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, has long been a strong proponent for the creation of livable and sustainable communities.
Following an exciting appearance at the National Bike Summit’s Congressional Reception on March 15th, LaHood unveiled some new policy guidelines that will, in his words, “[integrate] the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects.” Such policy changes will include raising the bar on design standards, additional data collection about current walking and biking trips, the protection of sidewalks and shared-use paths, and efforts to encourage respect for nonmotorized transportation modes. In a recent interview with Green Inc., posted in the New York Times, LaHood explains his new ideas, their impact, and defends his position against the harsh words of critics.
