Ideas - Pedestrian Shopping Streets
| Thesis
|
 |
 |
|
Rybczynski also points out that the North American pedestrian street fad
began in the 1950s and two decades later, many had reverted back to their
original form (Rybczynski 1995, pg. 29). There may be several reasons
for the failure of pedestrian streets. The principal reason, however,
appears to focus on accessibility. With cars barred from the streets
the city needs to provide something to bring people downtown. One
solution is the creation of parkades at the perimeter of the shopping district
in order to encourage people to drive in from the suburbs; however, a more
socially successful approach is to provide efficient public transit.
Métros/Subways and street level tramways/trolleys are practical
and environmentally responsible ways to bring people to the city centre.
In addition to encouraging residential development downtown, pedestrian
streets also do well to be located between major transportation nodes such
as, bus, rail, and métro stations. This strategy naturally
brings people to the shopping district and takes advantage of the most
convenient paths used by office workers, local inhabitants, and visitors.
Brambilla and Longo point out that downtown commercial districts must offer a wide range of shopping opportunities, have easy access, and provide for security and comfort (Brambilla & Longo 1977, pg. 18). They report that ‘some cities have registered sales increases as high as 111%, along with increases of 70 to 100 percent in pedestrian flow (Brambilla & Longo 1977, pg. 18)’ Furthermore, the success of pedestrian shopping streets requires the continuous support from merchants, local business, residents, and the city. Often when pedestrian streets are proposed, Merchants fear a loss of customers, increased vandalism, and changes in types of shoppers; however, the implementation of pedestrian shopping areas often leads to beautification programmes, new complementary street lighting, street furniture, and improved street graphics. If avenue Mont-Royal were to be converted into a pedestrian street, the process would have to include the street’s merchants, local citizens, and city planners to ensure an open debate and consensus. |