MyWHaT

Still in R & D mode. It’s been a lot of work, so we’re extending it another week. Again, looking for feedback, so send me a message in between BBQ’s, the beach and the World Cup.

One note, 8th Street is getting the final touches. There isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said, but next week MyWHaT will walk through the few changes that did occur and those that didn’t occur, like bike sharrows.

Weekly Chatter

• The Wall Street Journal takes an interest in Walkscore and walkability’s relationship to the real estate market. Oddly enough, they give a certain blogger from Traverse City the last word, read the article at: A Walker’s Guide to Home Buying

• Two complete Streets bills passed the state House of representatives this week. On to the senate with these bills. HB 6152 and HB 5151.  What exactly are complete streets? This FAQ sheet sums it up well.

• Complete street plans in action are represented well by Portland Mayor’s 20-minute neighborhoods as a planning principle. Neighborhoods make sense for community, property values and personal health. Yet another report highlighting that in walkable neighborhoods that” obesity levels were 12 per cent lower in these areas.” As Michigan’s obesity rate hits 30% we’d be wise to take notice.

• The Record Eagle cheerleads the West End Parking deck. MyWHaT isn’t opposed absolutely, but frustration remains. The city can allocate $30 million plus to subsidize parking cars over the last decade while a simple bike lane, a sidewalk or basic traffic calming is like pulling teeth from a rabid beagle.

• A response out of the Velo-City Global, a conference about the potential and challenges of cycling, makes it clear that it’s About People–>”I don’t give a sh*t about bikes.“

• Street cars in Grand Rapids? As a visitor, I’m in full support! Appreciated  message from Don Lawless, the chair of the board making it happen, “What we approved is a Plan NOT a Vision. This Plan WILL happen.” NWMI can learn from the Say Yes! culture of GRR.

• We’ve all heard, and maybe even been involved in the normal critical mass of bicyclists, but a comment raises the key question, what about a pedestrian Critical Mass? In other pedestrian chatter, have you wondered how to raise a walker?

To wrap, Refurbished gumball machines selling seed bombs to populate otherwise drab public spaces with wildflowers. Where have I seen seed bombs before…?

Lay low, we’re under attack.

NOTE: I’m liberating my personal Facebook page from most of the My Wheels are Turning (MyWHaT) fodder. If you’re interested in posts about intentional design of public space and people powered transportation choices, consider hitting one more “Like” button on Facebook.