Re:If we want a shift to walking we need to prioritize dignity
by voisin on Saturday July 29, 2023 @02:47PM
(#36923241)
> Neighborhoods you’d typically want to walk in do have shade because they were all built a long time ago and there is somewhere for you to walk to. Suburban neighborhoods aren’t designed that way which is why even if there was shade there’s still nowhere to walk to.
I agree with what you are saying generally but my point stands even for urban cores, which tend to have little to no trees (or many trees but not mature enough for any real shade) and tons of concrete. Awful walking experience despite lots of things to do and see.
Re:If we want a shift to walking we need to prioritize dignity
by ericmay on Saturday July 29, 2023 @02:57PM
(#36923328)
I agree though I don’t think it’s quite as bad as the suburbs. In Columbus we have lots of surface parking lots just to make sure you cook while you’re outside. (Or freeze)
Re:If we want a shift to walking we need to prioritize dignity
by brailsafe on Sunday July 30, 2023 @06:11PM
(#36936526)
I personally can't think of many urban areas where this is a real problem in the U.S or Canada that I've been, but it is where it is. I did a small paper on the impact of population growth in Dar Es Salaam, and trees had a significant impact on how people were using the streets. In such extreme heat, shade is crucial.
Neighborhoods you’d typically want to walk in do have shade because they were all built a long time ago and there is somewhere for you to walk to. Suburban neighborhoods aren’t designed that way which is why even if there was shade there’s still nowhere to walk to.
I do agree we need more trees planted and more shade. Unfortunately a lot of space near and around places people would want to walk or bike to us instead covered in pavement for cars and parking.
We can do more than one thing at once though. We can make areas more walkable while we also plant trees. And we can flip state highway departments [1] so that they focus on serving the people and their needs instead of themselves or a small, vocal minority.
[1] Note that departments of transportation in nearly all states are highway and road transit departments first and do next to nothing w.r.t better means of transportation. Their entire context is cars and drivers and you can confirm this by looking at the budget.