Imagine a street that builds community. It’s hard, isn’t it? In 1980, William Whyte wrote The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. Whyte’s core message was that we, as a society, need to use the public land we share – including our streets – to enhance the connections between each other. Today we can call this the Social Life of Long Urban Spaces.

On the street, the foundation for community is realized when all users can move safely: pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. At SvR, we also believe community is realized when streets encourage divergent economic interests, apply green infrastructure, and – equally important – create moments for social interaction.

If we reclaim our streets, the result can only be more vibrant and healthy communities. Thankfully, SvR is not alone in our approach. More than 50 jurisdictions nationwide have adopted Complete Streets policies. This forward momentum has even gained traction in Washington, D.C.

Senator Tom Harkin and Congresswoman Doris Matsui have introduced Complete Streets legislation that promotes appropriate and safe transportation facilities for all road users. In their legislation, they note that Complete Streets increase transportation network capacity, are a better use of taxpayer dollars, improve pedestrian safety, promote healthier lifestyles, and will reduce greenhouse gases. For more information on Complete Streets, please see: http://www.completestreets.org/.    

Highlights

To encourage alternate means of transportation, SvR organized, for the second year, the A/E Bike-to-Work Challenge, which ran during May. The challenge invited Puget Sound-area architectural and engineering firms to a friendly bike-to-work competition. Participating firms gained an advantage when a higher number of employees participated. Twenty-two firms participated this year. To learn more about the Challenge, click here.

On the Boards - Commercial South Lake Union property incorporates woonerf.
> Read More