Banning the Car Downtown. Selected American Cities

摘要

This book presents an indepth analysis of 16 North American pedestrianization experiments, providing information on the process which each city underwent in converting vehicular roads into malls. Some of the projects were very successful, while others represent failures. The range of results has been examined within the context of the complexity of pedestrian planning. The physical factors to be considered in the creation of a traffic - free area relate to the design of the mall and to the solution of city circulation and parking problems. These factors must be viewed in light of creating a traffic - free zone that increases not only the quality of the shopping environment but the social and recreational appeal of the area as well. The institutional side of mall implementation also affects the success of the project, because legal problems may arise in changing the use of an existing right - of - way. Legislation, which may be necessary at the local or State level, can also relate directly to financing methods. The major goal of almost every North American pedestrianization effort has been the revitalization of declining downtown retail economy. The reasons for such decline have varied from city to city. The cities considered here were selected because they represent a cross section of sizes and geographic locations. They also provide examples of the various reasons for and approaches to the implementation of traffic - free areas. Taken together, these 16 case studies offer a broad view of the aspects of pedestrian zoning in North America. Each city is considered individually, and photographs are included. (Author abstract modified).