pedestrian bridges
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Density. Connectivity. Walkability. Pedestrian Bridges. And related cool stuff. Why?. Hong Kong. . To replace crosswalks or… to compliment them… or even to compliment and replace sidewalks themselves - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Pedestrian Bridges
Density
Connectivit
y
Walkab
ility
And related cool stuff
Why?
. To replace crosswalks or… to compliment them… or even to compliment and replace sidewalks themselves
In high density areas, pedestrians are so numerous that simple crosswalks and sidewalks oftentimes do not satisfy pedestrian needs: . Convenience . Access to destinations . Connectivity . SafetyAVOIDING street traffic while providing the same utility as sidewalks and crosswalks… or MORE
Hong Kong
Crosswalk vs. BridgeA 4-way intersection with a similarly 4-way pedestrian bridge above. Four-way and 2-way bridges are both common across Asia.
Completely removes any need
for pedestrians and vehicles to mix
Has the added advantage of
allowing pedestrians to
cross diagonally
Accommodates bicycles and people
alike Beijing, China
Sidewalk vs. BridgeElevated walkways replace or compliment sidewalks, especially in high-density areas where commercial activity extends beyond ground-level storefronts.
Effectively doubles street-front sidewalk activity and potential
Can be covered to provide convenient walking access at all
times
Can directly transition to bridges crossing streets – removes need
to interact with vehicles on street level
Taipei, Taiwan
Roadway vs. BridgeA well-placed bridge can cut the length of a street for pedestrians, making lengthy, high-speed arterials less of a walkability obstacle.
Fast, wide streets can remain fast and
wide while pedestrians cross
above
Pedestrians are less likely to do
dangerous things such as jaywalk
because the nearest crossing is too far
With this, high-speed roadways and
pedestrian walkability are not
incompatible
Beijing, China
EvolutionaryA comprehensive elevated walkway system… Hong Kong’s Central Elevated Walkway System.
Spans many city blocks, all elevated
Unified system
Complete with maps, signage, and
markings for connections to
various destinations
Connections between many downtown core destinations:
plazas, banks, ferry docks, subway system, bus system, malls and department stores, government buildings, commercial buildings
Walkability (looks like this)Freedom to walk anywhere, anytime.
Many destinations, many connections
Arguably more convenient than
motor vehicle transport
A very interesting perspective to look at
the city from
Safely separated from car traffic and road
activity, but connected to the city
Hong Kong
Taking it further…
Hong Kong’s Central-Mid-Levels Escalators further the cause of walkability by creating a conduit for pedestrians up and down the mountainous side of Hong Kong’s island geography.
Shops, bars, and restaurants line the route
800+ meters in length135 meters in elevation20 minutes from top to bottomDaily traffic of 55,000+
What about the US?Downtown Minneapolis Skyway system connects 60-some blocks by an elevated bridge system.
But no uniform system – bridges close arbitrarily due to
being owned and run by different entities
Mostly only bridges, not nearly as comprehensive and
connected as Hong Kong
Minneapolis, USA
Something to think aboutWhat could be different?
Major American cities, even of similar densities and populations as large Asian cities that do have extensive pedestrian bridges, lack such pedestrian amenities
Why?
Car culture, lack of inner city destinations, or?
Even places like NYC (pictured) have next to
nothing in terms of bridges and walkway systems, yet
others such as LA have extensive divisions caused by
highways and arterials
The bottom line – even in ‘walkable’ places such as downtown Chicago, or Manhattan, even Times Square… pedestrians are still second to the car.
NYC, USA
ConclusionsGood pedestrian bridges and walkway systems increase walkability immensely
The more integrated, connected, and uniform these bridges are, the more benefit
Walkway systems connecting many destinations arguably allow greater freedom and convenience than vehicles and roadways do in the same city
Streets do not necessarily have to be ‘shared’ between pedestrians, bikers, and drivers – pedestrians can and maybe should have their own walking paths
Roadwaysand pedestrian
walkability can coexist
- No more ‘car-first’ environmentsTokyo, Japan
end.
Lujiazui circular pedestrian bridge in Shanghai, China