Even though we're in Oslo, we've been keeping up with the news back in the States and we were both delighted to see an article on the SFGate announcing Supervisor Daly's proposal to make Market Street a pedestrian boulevard. This is an excellent idea. San Francisco should take a cue from European cities like Oslo where pedestrian-friendly streets are the center of social and commerical activity. The main street of Oslo, Karl Johans Gate, is packed with foot traffic on warm evenings like tonight. Cafes spill out into the road with comfortable outdoor seating and people of all ages stroll along, checking out the lively scene. Market street can only improve from reduced traffic. When I first lived to San Francisco, I thought I could bike from the Haight District to the Financial, straight down Market Street because it was the most direct route. But, I quickly gave up the idea on account of the horrendous traffic, rude taxis, and lack of safe bike lanes. I learned my lesson and even avoided walking there, because of the noise and pollution, so I took the bus and exercised on the weekends. It's about time pedestrians took back the streets and created vibrant, liveable, outdoor spaces that encourage healthy habits and dynamic marketplaces. Market Street is a perfect place to start: 1)other, faster automobile routes exist one block away, 2)it's the geographic center of the city, 3)it has enough bike and public transit movement without cars and trucks, 4)it would help revive the lagushing tenderloin area along 6th street by increasing commerical activity on neighboring blocks, and 5)it would represent a bold and strategic move for Gavin Newsom and the City Planners, aligning the city with the green sustainable ideas that they so often talk about. Here is an actual plan to begin the ball rolling, transforming polluted cityscapes into beautiful common areas we can all enjoy. Take it from Oslo, pedestrian boulevards improve city living.
No comments:
Post a Comment