Complete Streets

Stockholm Complete Street
Originally uploaded by ITDP-Europe

Here is a collection of the information out there for complete streets:

The Complete Streets Website http://www.completestreets.org/

APA Resources, including policy inventory and best practices manual
http://www.planning.org/research/streets/

Good photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38607288@N03/
(ITDP-Europe)

Information on Complete Streets and the Aging
http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/advocacy/GovernmentWatch/StrongCommunities/articles/aarp_one_minute_guide_complete_streets_act.html
http://www.planetizen.com/node/28644

Advocates of Walking and indexing tool:
http://www.walkscore.com/

SF Bay Local:
Better Streets San Francisco
http://www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/planning/Citywide/Better_Streets/proposals.htm

Oakland
Walk Oakland, Bike Oakland
http://www.walkoaklandbikeoakland.org

Willow Glen, San Jose

Willow Glen, San Jose
Originally uploaded by gojanelin

Lincoln Avenue was formerly a street served by a streetcar. Today, “downtown” Willow Glen, on Lincoln Avenue in San Jose thrives as a main street that is 4 lanes wide. The existing urban development pattern along Lincoln retained many elements of walkability from its streetcar days: the stores on Lincoln are close to one another, storefronts are narrow, 1-3 story buildings frame the street, shared parking lots are located behind the stores, alleys and paths through the back of stores allow multiple ways to access the main street, sidewalks are wide, and crosswalks make it easier for shoppers to get from one side to the other. There are also many opportunities to sit; landscaping is mature and appropriately scaled. Pedestrians feel safe in Willow Glen and vehicular traffic moves without too much burden on two lanes in each direction.

Under the Transbay Terminal

Under the Transbay Terminal
Originally uploaded by gojanelin

This would be a pretty dismal space, it is underneath the Transbay Terminal. But with these lights, a public art installation, it becomes a more inviting place. The whole facility will be redone (timeline may stretch, a little) with a design determined by competition. This underpass is a major gateway to the city, with many vehicles traveling from the first exit off the Bay Bridge (Fremont Street exit). This is a major casual commute drop-off, and many pedestrians pass under it every morning. It's a surprise and a delight, and it gives the impression that it may not smell like pee anymore...

Toolkits and Street Design Manuals

Big cities are thinking about street design and producing very helpful design manuals that serve to educate and encourage new development that make better places. Amber Hawkes and Georgia Sheridan look at some of the emerging street design manuals and give an in-depth review on how they're working. Street design manuals are also being used as tools that shape smaller, more suburban cities. Though, the bigger cities, with bigger budgets, generally have more graphically appealing and educational documents.

Mid Block Alley on California Ave

Mid Block Alley on California Ave
Originally uploaded by gojanelin

Parking is located behind the stores on California Avenue, which helps to define and concentrate the activity on the street. This would have been a long block to walk around if not for the alleys that allow people through at frequent intervals.

The Key to Temescal

The Key to Temescal
Originally uploaded by gojanelin

Yes, it's a crosswalk! OK, there are a bunch of other things going on in Temescal that make its revitalization possible. But, how would you get there without crossing the street? This signalized crosswalk isn't that far from the main intersection of 51st and Telegraph. It tames the huge arterial. It connects the parking lot with the row of older shops at the other end (where the cool stuff is). From this corner you have a great view of the buildings. Go ahead, strut across the crosswalk, stroll along the wide sidewalks, use the outdoor benches, and observe the urban scene.

Bakesale Betty's in Temescal

Bakesale Betty's in Temescal
Originally uploaded by gojanelin

Think strawberry shortcake, fried chicken sandwiches, and lemon ice! This place is very popular at the corner of 51st and Telegraph. Seating is informal, at ironing boards on the sidewalk. You can't miss Bakesale Betty, she wears a blue wig.

A Bike Sharrow

A Bike Sharrow
Originally uploaded by gojanelin

This is a sharrow. It indicates a lane that is to be shared with bikes and regular traffic. This two lane street narrows at the crosswalk, with sidewalks extending with bulb-outs.