Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
increase its economic activity. The emphasis placed on these objectives varies
depending on area
'
s location, street and development patterns, and community
attitudes.
20.2.1 Europe
Pedestrian streets were
first introduced in Europe as it reconstructed its cities during
the late 1940s following WWII. They were reintroduced in the 1960s after attempts
to create wider streets caused adverse environmental effects on historic city centers
and did
not
alleviate congestion.
The traf
c free streets and zones were created by eliminating vehicular traf
c
from existing streets in speci
c parts of cities usually for architectural, environ-
mental, and commercial reasons [
1
].
European cities often adopted the traf
c-free zoning approach because it suited
their historical physical conditions, and eliminated the congestion that would
otherwise occur by allowing motor vehicle access and avoided the need for wider
streets. By 1975, nearly every major European city had banned cars from its retail
district and retail core
—
a few examples are described below.
Today
'
s Cologne (Germany) pedestrian street system was created as part of the
reconstruction of the city from its World War II destruction. The system is centered
on two perpendicular streets that connect with the Cathedral Square and the Rail-
road Station. Parking facilities are located on the periphery with easy pedestrian
access to the automobile restricted area.
Essen
s (Germany) pedestrian system links the center of the city with major
transportation terminals and parking garages. Parking garages in the proximity (less
than 1,200 feet) of shopping/entertainment activities on pedestrian areas are priced
to serve short term demand. Parking garages outside the ring are intended for long
term (all day) parking and form a part of a park-and-ride program.
The downtown of Copenhagen (Denmark) pedestrian system is the most
extensive in Europe, after Venice (Italy). The narrow streets across the city connect
plazas and open spaces offering visitors a pleasant experience.
'
20.2.2 United States and Canada
In the United States and Canadian cities, the initial goals of pedestrianization were
quite different from those of European cities. The focus was more on improving the
quality and attractiveness of downtown retail areas and, at the same time, improving
the retail economy of downtown rather than reducing traf
c congestion. When
improvements in the retail environment were not realized (as in the Westminster
Mall in Providence, R.I.) some malls were reopened to traf
c.
