CARFREE TOKYO

- a collection of notes and reflections on urban living from the perspective of a family of five in Tokyo. My epiphany was many years ago, but being hit by a motorbike and seeing my life flash before my eyes caused a sudden change that slowly made me reflect on whether American style auto-centric urban transportation of the Roosevelt era really is a capital G "Good Idea" for civilized modern cities in the 21st Century. This blog explores the good and the bad in urban planning and design, here and elsewhere. The goal is simple - not "death to all cars," just more walkable communities, quiet tree-lined streets, good public transport, traffic calming, Velib style bicycle sharing and a bit of common sense. The bolg is mostly theraputic, so I don't go wanting to throttle every dangerous driver I come across, but partly also out of a real desire to see positive change. This blog explores how it can be done, the people who do it, and how, in many small ways, this very old idea may at last have found its zeitgeist. Comments and suggestions welcome.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Architect's urban living guide doesn't include cars

From the Miami Herald - introducing Andrés Duany and his book "The Smart Growth Manual"

Why this is on the "Arts" page and not the cover page of course is a question that we will probably have to answer to future generations.

http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/arts/v-fullstory/story/1419660.html

Short piece, and well worth a read. Discusses the "New Urbanism" movement, why many are now saying it's best if we just leave the Prius at home, and a few other prominent American writers on the topic.
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