Walkability

[highwater]

Couldn't find a thread on walkability issues in general, so thought I'd start one. The following article pertains to Ainslie Woods/Westdale, but hopefully there will be similar studies in other neighbourhoods in the future.


A foot-friendly plan for the west end

Focus on pedestrians
February 25, 2009
The Hamilton Spectator
(Feb 25, 2009)

Small street improvements for pedestrians can make the Ainslie Wood and Westdale neighbourhoods more vibrant and healthy, according to a citizens committee.

"We want to make the community as walkable as possible," said Suzanne Brown, a public health manager for the city, Westdale resident and member of the Ainslie Wood Westdale walkability committee.

"It's a benefit. It's a draw for families and we think it's a healthier community."

The committee, which conducted a walkability assessment in these older and more established neighbourhoods, submitted a report with 60 recommendations, all with a pedestrian focus, to the city.

City council, convened as Hamilton's board of health yesterday, forwarded the recommendations to the Ainslie Wood transportation master plan study and to staff.

Ward Councillor Brian McHattie said the walkability study and recommendations represent "a fundamental shift" in transportation master plans by adding a focus that wasn't there before -- pedestrians.

"Cars will have to fit in around the pedestrians," he said. "My interest is in seeing pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods."

McHattie said the recommendations call for mostly small enhancements totalling about $50,000 or less.

Brown said the priorities are improvements that aid pedestrian safety, including a connecting sidewalk at a gap in front of and across from the Westdale Theatre and adjoining businesses.

The more colourful recommendations call for the introduction of public street art, an outdoor fountain by Second Cup in Westdale and a new dog water fountain. Improved garbage bylaw enforcement and garden contests and awards are also recommended.

A U.S. study, reported last year in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, found that people who live in older neighbourhoods appear to be less likely to be overweight. The key, said researchers, was walkability. Older communities are more likely to encourage people to drive less and walk more, which can help keep weight down.

[flar]

Brown said the priorities are improvements that aid pedestrian safety, including a connecting sidewalk at a gap in front of and across from the Westdale Theatre and adjoining businesses.

They should get going on that as soon as possible, I hate that spot the way it is now.

[oldcoote]

I've already seen some improvements to walkability in the Westdale neighbourhood.
The crosswalk island at the King Street 'curve' has effectively served to calm traffic and protect the crossing guard.
I would love to see a natural elevated path through Churchill fields from Marion & Dromore to Parkside/GR Allan. Much of the park is soggy/icy for many months of the year making it hard to navigate.
Something should be done at the corner of King and Cline S. Cars traveling westbound take that turn too fast, and its a long cross for pedestrians.

[highwater]

Originally Posted by oldcoote

I would love to see a natural elevated path through Churchill fields from Marion & Dromore to Parkside/GR Allan. Much of the park is soggy/icy for many months of the year making it hard to navigate.

Yes! A boardwalk through a wetland restoration project! Don't know when the next park meeting will be, but hope you can make it out.

Also, the light at King and Marion is way too short, especially for those of us burdened by age or small children (or both, in my case).

[highwater]

Also meant to post this:

Are You Interested in Making Ainslie Wood and Westdale Even More Liveable and Walkable?



The Ainsliewood Westdale Walkability Committee and the Westdale Business Improvement Area present two community presentations:



Liveable Cities and Walkability

Thurs. March 5, 7 p.m.

Westdale Library



It is estimated that the population of the Golden Horseshoe will increase by 3.8 million people in the next twenty five years. Cities will be presented with both an infrastructure challenge and an opportunity to create communities in which residents have an improved quality of life.



The Green Venture and Clean Air Hamilton "Liveable Cities" presentation will encourage residents to create an improved streetscape in an era of urban sprawl.



This will be followed by a talk by the AWWCA Walkability Committee, who will share the results of their community project which incorporates the feedback of over 120 people in our neighbourhood.



We already have an engaged community….learn more about how we can preserve and promote the things that make our community great.



See the Liveable Cities and Walkability poster at

http://awwca.ca/events/2009/03/05/li...d-walkability/

[ryan_mcgreal]

Several people in my neighourhood (I live on Kent south of Aberdeen) have asked for some kind of pedestrian crosswalk at Kent and Aberdeen.

This intersection gets a lot of foot traffic, particularly students on their way to Ryerson/HAAA, and it's over 100m to either of the nearest intersections (Locke/Aberdeen or Queen/Aberdeen). It also has bus stops right here for both eastbound and westbound HSR buses.

The city responded by putting up a big sign ordering pedestrians to cross at Locke or Queen - a 200m round trip.

This is how the city promotes walkability? And after the EH Kirkendall Walkability Study too, no less.

[highwater]

Don't give up. Does Kirkendall have an ongoing walkability committee?

[adam]

Lets keep asking for these things until they say yes. Durand is asking for a crosswalk at Charlton to Durand Park. Roads are public spaces that have to accomodate everyone. It should be interesting this summer when we see more and more ebikes on the road too.