PROUD TO JOIN RAISSA FERNANDEZ TO HIGHLIGHT UNIVERSAL DESIGN DURING A NACTO WALKSHOP TOUR OF LITTLE HAVANA

THE EVENT WAS PART OF DESIGNING CITIES 2024: MIAMI-DADE

I was thrilled to join Raissa Fernandez of Healthy Little Havana for a tour highlighting walkability, transit and mobility for all this week.

It was part of the National Association of City Transportation Officials annual meeting, hosted in Miami this year.

The NACTO Designing Cities Conference brings together 1,000 officials, planners, and practitioners to advance the state of transportation in cities across North America.

Healthy Little Havana is a local nonprofit that actively co-designs -- with other residents and partner organizations--  a dynamic Community Action Plan that addresses the root causes of poor health and health inequities. 

Currently HLH focuses on: housing, healthcare access, education to employment, and food and public space.

Led by Raissa, our tour had more than two dozen top professionals from across the U.S.

We highlighted:

Sidewalks too narrow for people with disabilities – that ironically cover more than a city block adjacent to the accessible entrances to a city services center and performing arts hall.

The three-lane, one-way couplets (Flagler westbound/SW 1^st Street eastbound, SW 7^th Street westbound/Calle Ocho eastbound) that are very dangerous to cross for people with disabilities, children and elderly residents.

The lack of shade canopy in East Little Havana. The transit stop where the group joined the tour – has zero shade despite hosting two (bus and trolley) major transit shelters.

The threat of over development that is both robbing Little Havana of its rich architectural heritage, but also shrinking the supply of affordable housing in one of the most rent-burdened cities in America.

YOUR CITY'S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY

IS ENSURING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT IS ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TO ALL

These are the saddest urban photos I’ve ever shared. 

When your city/county allows sidewalks to be obstructed, broken, too narrow — you get a wheelchair user rolling in dangerous traffic.

It’s risk death in the street or die in isolation at home. 

This shameful scene in on NW 17 St. in Miami.

People with disabilities NEVER are pathetic. 

The way we create a built environment that excludes them is pathetic, ableist and toxic.

Most municipalities never conduct a Universal Design audit of their sidewalks.

Sometimes I think city officials would rather have people with disabilities stay home & out of sight — rather than demand the access + inclusion that is their basic civil right. 

Cities don’t want to inventory inaccessible sidewalks because then they’d have to spend $ to fix them.

The active person in my photos, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, does not have a death wish.

He went back on the sidewalk as soon as it became accessible. 

HONORED TO LEAD UNIVERSAL DESIGN DAY IN RICHMOND VIRGINIA

GRATIFIED TO BE PART OF THE EQUITABLE CITIES TEAM

WORKING WITH THE VIRGINIA WALKABILITY ACTION INSTITUTE

 

I was thrilled to combine my passion for access and inclusion with my expertise in creating a better environment for people with disabilities.

I was the featured speaker for Universal Design Day with Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI).

It was hosted by Virginia's Department of Health through its PATHS partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

It’s a joy to work with Equitable Cities.

I’ve worked with its founder Charles Brown on his Arrested Mobility podcast and with some writing projects about equity in the public realm.

It was great to work with Virginia point person Valeria Menendez on Equitable Cities, in historic and artistic Richmond.

I led a 3.5 mile walk through Richmond to highlight Universal Design assets and challenges.

Assets included Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with ramped boarding platforms with outstanding wheelchair access directly into buses that do not require lifts/ramps for smooth, inclusive transit.

Challenges included the pedestrian portion of a bridge over 195 -- a major highway.

There are no curb ramps at the end of this viaduct – on two of the most major streets in the entire region: Broad Street and Monument Avenue.

Cities, counties and regional authorities benefit from my “design for all” expertise.

Please contact me to schedule my combination of walking/rolling pedestrian 3+ mile accessibility tour plus workshop/keynote speech.

One in four people experience some level of disability.

Hundreds of thousands of your constituents and clients need my services.

THRILLED TO HAVE JUST COMPLETED RECORDING AN EPISODE

FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION PODCAST

The hour flew by talking about Universal Design and how it delivers dignity for people with disabilities.

I also explained how Universal Design is the most sustainable, flexible, durable, resilient and cost-effective approach to the built environment.

The hosts, Chris Danley and Don Kostelec, really get it. They introduce walkability, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and access for all into every project they work on.

Chris is a recognized national expert in Walkability and Health Impact Assessments, is co-creator of the Looking Glass walk audit training academy, crafted the Activity Connection Plan™ and Healthy Conditions Assessment models.

He has conducted numerous planning and assessment projects throughout Idaho, North Carolina, Utah and other states.

He also works with Blue Zones as a subject matter expert in the Built-Environment throughout the United States. inkedin Twitter

Don is a 20-year professional in transportation planning, health analysis and comprehensive planning. 

His work extends from Alaska to Florida and California to New York, but is focused in the Intermountain West. He is an avid walker and has been since the age of 1.

Don is known as a provocative speaker who helps communities better engage the design profession for more equitable and safer street design that prioritizes the safety of people over the movement of cars.

Look for the episode to drop before the end of November at:

https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/

WHEN CITIES VALUE VEHICLES AND PARKING MORE THAN HUMANS

DANGEROUS, NEAR MISS, WOULD BE TRAGEDIES HAPPEN DAILY

I saw a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility almost hit by a car because this oversized truck blocked the sidewalk.

The illegally blocked sidewalk forced everyone to go out into the dangerous street to finish their journey.

This is at 1619 Pennsylvania Avenue, footsteps from Lincoln Road pedestrian mall.

The City of Miami Beach must ticket and tow vehicles that block pedestrian access.

DESIGN FOR ALL IS WORTH IT

AND OFTEN CAN BE DONE AT A LOW COST

I don’t have statistics, but common sense would also prove that when you increase walkability/rollability, thus connectivity to education, jobs, community activities – you increase earning power.

That increases income (and the tax roll) for people with disabilities.

In the United States, people with disabilities are the most under- and unemployed of any marginalized group.

Access in the public realm isn’t just the right thing to do, it is sound public policy on many levels.

DESIGN FOR ALL IS WORTH IT

AND OFTEN CAN BE DONE AT A LOW COST

Adding curb ramps, protected crosswalks, wider sidewalks and smoother surfaces can be blended into all of those complete streets, pavement repaving, mainstreet sidewalk enhancements and other public works projects.

When done from scratch, rather than a retrofit to fix poor planning for accessibility, the cost is rarely more than fractionally more costly than not building for access for all.

DESIGN FOR ALL IS WORTH IT

AND OFTEN CAN BE DONE AT A LOW COST

Smooth, wide, safe, gently sloped surfaces also are beloved by those who wear heels (reduces tripping hazard) and the army of delivery people who wheel our daily online purchases to our doorstep.

I also want to bust the myth that making something accessible (we call it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the United States, but hundreds of nations have similar law to make life better for people with disabilities while protecting their civil rights) doesn’t mean busting the budget.

DESIGN FOR ALL IS WORTH IT

AND OFTEN CAN BE DONE AT A LOW COST

One in four, more than one billion – people have some kind of disability.

That is neither outlier or special interest, by any definition.

When you design something that makes it easier for a wheelchair user to move about your city – 

you also have made pedestrian mobility better for young children, elderly people, those with visual impairments and dozens of others (including those who use scooters, walkers or crutches.)

DESIGN FOR ALL IS WORTH IT

AND OFTEN CAN BE DONE AT A LOW COST

When I see a design that serves everyone with equity and inclusion.

Ableists (wrongly) see something that blows up traditional placemaking for a “special interest.”

Experts around the world have proven that one in four people will experience some kind of disability in their lifetime. 

There are more than one billion people on earth who have a disability that impacts their daily lives.

DESIGN FOR ALL IS WORTH IT

AND OFTEN CAN BE DONE AT A LOW COST

I have spent nearly four decades as a writer, planner, educator and advocate.

My specialty is advocating for good urban design and town planning that not only encourages walking, but also makes it easy, safe and comfortable.

I am one of the few people in my field whose prime focus is design for people with disabilities.

I’d be lying if I didn’t share that I often get frustrated by urban designers and town planners who push back on the notion of design (or retrofit) that serves all.

PROUD TO ANNOUNCE I AM A GLOBAL CORRESPONDENT

FOR PEDESTRIAN SPACE

Pedestrian Space is a media and advocacy project established to document & explore walkability as a central aspect of sustainable urbanism.

My world and national travels have kept me busy, but I will soon be contributing blog posts, photo essays and other insights to the Pedestrian Space team.

My bio states:

Steve Wright has four decades of experience in urban design, planning, architecture, mobility, sustainability and universal design.

He co-created a groundbreaking universal design course at the University of Miami School of Architecture.

His award-winning reporting frequently appears in Planning magazine and he has presented nationally and internationally.

This link leads to the Pedestrian Space correspondents list.

As it is alphabetical, I'm at the bottom.

Check out the rest of the site, it's got great advocacy storytelling -- in an easy to read, not overly technical form:

https://pedestrianspace.org/global-walkability-correspondents/

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

THE SINGLE MOST CRITICAL PIECE OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Fabian De La Espriella, AICP, principal of Miami-based Urbe Studio, has nearly two decades of experience in transportation planning — and is a big fan of what sidewalks provide, particularly when it comes to equity.

"Sidewalks are the single most critical piece of infrastructure when it comes to reducing disparities between communities, especially those that are currently underserved, which coincidently are also suffering from disproportionate pedestrian death rates," says De La Espriella, vice chair of APA Florida's Gold Coast chapter.

"This equity approach applies to sidewalks being of vital importance for people with disabilities, no-car households, children, and the elderly. 

Sidewalks in some communities are key to getting access to transit, food, parks, or schools."

Every planning agency, local jurisdiction, and government official should prioritize safe sidewalks, he says.

"Having safe, healthy streets is part of increasing a city's competitiveness.

A key component to achieving this outcome is having safe sidewalks, which increase access and create a higher value place," he says. 

"It is time that we acknowledge the responsibility of transportation investments in increasing equity in our communities, especially when it comes to sidewalks."

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

 FIRST AND LAST MILE MVP

"You can build a premium bus stop with shelters and amenities, but if you can't get to it, the transit fails," says David Haight, FAICP, a planner and senior project manager with planning, design, and engineering firm Atkins.

"Without accessible sidewalks, transit doesn't work."

Apart from being wide enough to accommodate pedestrians with mobility aids like wheelchairs, accessible sidewalks should include pathways that don't flood, have crosswalks, and help people navigate from bus stops through parking lots to retail.

 Designers should work to understand and match users' expectations, too.

"People walk in a straight line. 

They will try to cross — without the protection of a painted crosswalk or `walk' sign — rather than cross two additional lanes of busy traffic to get to the official crosswalk," he explains. 

And at four-lane roads, a median should be large enough to serve as a haven for those who can make it only halfway to the other side of the street. 

Otherwise, people — some with kids, some using assistive mobility devices — are stuck on a tiny piece of ground with huge trucks and speeding cars rushing by them.

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

 A CONNECTOR FOR PEOPLE (AND ROBOTS?)

Amin Gharebaghi, co-founder and CEO of GeoMate, is preparing sidewalks for an increase in traffic. 

His firm works with multiple cities across North America to analyze key features impacting urban accessibility like curb ramps, slope, width, and surface quality.

"Sidewalks act as a main connector in municipalities, bringing residents closer to their communities and local economies," he says. 

And it's a critical time to ensure that those connections work at the human level first.

"As cities become increasingly dense and new mobility technologies [like delivery robots] begin to operate on sidewalks, enhancing sidewalk safety and accessibility is becoming more important now than ever," he explains.

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

A TOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

                                                            (Clematis Street West Palm Beach, FLA -- by Dover Kohl Partners)

The founder and president of nonprofit Strong Towns, which focuses on pedestrian-friendly development, believes sidewalks and streets play an important role in environmental justice.

"Sidewalks are often treated as afterthoughts in urban transportation projects," says Charles Marohn, P.E. 

"This is backwards. The function of an urban street is to serve as a platform for building wealth. 

On a street, we're attempting to grow the complex ecosystem that produces community wealth."

One big way that can be accomplished is through proper maintenance. 

Marohn advocates for city plowing of sidewalks, instead of making snow and ice clearance the responsibility of thousands of individual property owners. 

He says it's equally or even more important than street plowing — which often creates impediments to pedestrians.

"In most of our poorest neighborhoods, the public sector is neglecting their maintenance responsibilities, and this contributes to a vicious cycle of decline," says Marohn, author of Confessions of a Recovering Engineer.

"When the streets have more potholes, the parks have more weeds, and the sidewalks have more cracks and gaps than the ones in our affluent neighborhoods, the signal being sent is that decline is going to continue, regardless of what the property owners do."

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

 MORE SPACE FOR PEOPLE PLACES

"Often, the pedestrian realm is undersized and relegated to the leftover space within the right-of-way after the traffic engineers have taken all the space they need for vehicular lanes," says Michael Huston, AIA, LEED-AP, owner of Urban Arts, Inc. and partner of Civic Plan Studio.

To support a healthy, active "pedestrian realm" that people of all ages and physical abilities can enjoy, he says our sidewalks need to be much wider.

"To accommodate the necessary sidewalk clear zone and streetscape furnishings needed to create a comfortable pedestrian environment, a minimum of 15 feet is recommended between the street curb and the building," Huston adds. 

"It is not unusual to have a pedestrian realm that is 20 to 30 feet wide on streets that have intensive pedestrian and outdoor dining use."

 

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

ELIMINATE GENDER DISPARITIES

According to Leslie Kern, PhD, associate professor of geography and environment and director of women's and gender studies at Mount Allison University, research shows that women take more pedestrian trips daily as part of their commutes and household-serving errands. 

That means effective sidewalks are of heightened importance to their daily lives.

"Barrier-free, wide, and well-maintained sidewalks are particularly important for women, who still do a higher share of caregiving work," says Leslie Kern, author of Feminist City: Claiming Space in a Man-Made World. 

"Navigating sidewalks with strollers and small children is difficult if there is not enough space, if there are barriers at curbs or a lack of curb cuts, or if the sidewalk must be shared with cyclists."

Plus, there's the obvious safety component, she adds. In neighborhoods without sidewalks, people are forced to walk in the street, providing no protection from speeding vehicles — or the people operating them.

"Women and people of marginalized genders regularly experience harassment from car drivers," she says.

"If sidewalks can create more distance between pedestrians and drivers, this might either cut down on this form of 'drive-by harassment' or reduce the fear it causes in walkers."

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

GREAT BANG FOR OUR BUCK

As producer of Perils for Pedestrians Television, a safe walkability public affairs series that airs in 150 cities across the U.S., John Wetmore says sidewalks provide "clear economic benefits."

"When people walk more, they are healthier, and society will save on health care costs.

When people drive less, they spend less on gas and maintenance.

If living in a walkable neighborhood lets a family get by with one less car, the savings can be several thousand dollars a year," he says. 

"However, the biggest benefits from walkable neighborhoods have to do with the quality of life. 

Walking can play a big role in one's independence, which is fundamental to one's quality of life."

Wetmore cites initiatives like Safe Routes to School, which the new infrastructure law is expanding, as proof that a broad base of consumers supports safer, well-connected sidewalks. 

"The city needs to invest in the sidewalks, crosswalks, and other basic infrastructure that will make it not just possible to walk, but desirable to walk," he says.

 

IN PRAISE OF THE HUMBLE SIDEWALK

LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD FOR ALL

"Sidewalk connectivity is essential for people with disabilities, but it's also just a great way of leveling the playing field for all marginalized people," says Heidi Johnson-Wright, a renowned inclusive design expert who has been an Americans with Disabilities Act resource for large urban governments.

She's currently co-teaching a groundbreaking universal design course at the University of Miami School of Architecture with me.

She's spent an entire week of the course focusing on sidewalks, complete streets, properly aligned curb ramps, and safe harbor medians to underscore their value — and what's at stake when they aren't properly designed and maintained. 

A curb ramp fails to function if it constantly floods, for example, and a crosswalk becomes perilous if drainage basins are placed where wheelchair tires can get stuck in them.

"My students now grasp that if one link in the chain is broken, safe mobility fails for all," says Johnson-Wright, who uses a wheelchair for mobility. 

She laments that cars parked over sidewalks for days are rarely ticketed in her experience.

 "That unwillingness to ensure safety forces me into streets and into the path of dangerous drivers in a region that consistently leads the nation in pedestrian deaths and serious injuries."