Each week we will be focusing on blogs from around the world dealing specifically with urban environments. We’ll be on the lookout for websites outside the country that approach themes related to urban experiences and issues.
• Kottke highlights Ron Gabriel’s video – 3-way Street – a look at bad interactions between cars, bikes, and pedestrians at a typical NYC street intersection. It offers a visually interesting perspective on the ways modes interact and conflict.
• Artist Candy Chang shares some notes on her recent public space project, Before I Die. With permission from the building’s owner, Chang’s chalkboard invited citizens to share their preferred ending to the sentence “before I die…”. Says Chang of her project, “I believe the design of our public spaces can better reflect what’s important to us as residents and as human beings.”
• GOOD contributing editor Ben Jervey draws party lines on the US government’s approach to mass transit. Jervey notes strong alignment in support for mass transit funding with urban congressional districts and Democratic representatives.
• Helter skelter in the summer swelter. Spacing reader, Spire Skyscraper, thinks Grand Rapids looks stunning in this rendition of American Pie. Mr. Skyscraper would like to know what you think of Grand Rapids? And if you were to shoot a 10 minute “lipdub” in your Canadian town, what public space would you use?
2 comments
Interesting video. Dont think that cyclists came out looking very good. One thing about New York is that everybody is somewhat used to the chaos so it kind of works.
It’s sure improved a lot since 1988, the last year I drove a NYC taxicab. One thing I noticed, is that there seem to be absolutely no rules for the bikes. Since they’re messengers, they’re expected to go as fast and furious as they can. Just, there weren’t that many of them in 1988. What there were back then, was a whole slew of foreign taxidrivers who were very good at knowing how to go where–but terrible drivers. No room? Not too many people on the sidewalk? Fine, “all roads are good”. I’m glad to see that–except for the bikes–the people (on the sidewalks, anyway) seem to be a lot safer now than they were back then.
Where do I live now? In Dallas, TX. Home of the absolute WORST drivers in the country. Everybody’s migrating down here from all 48 states and Mexico–all of which have way different driving rules than Texas. Gov. Perry recently took drivers’ ed out of high schools, allowing that “Fathers are the best driving teachers of their children”. Accident rate up 20% since he took office. He’s now considering a run for President???!!!