One early criticism I see about the map is the use of the language 'Existing sidewalks and sidewalks under construction (the brown/tan lines) as this implies that there is sidewalk on BOTH sides of the street. (Sidewalks = plural).
This is often not accurate in Nashville. Many streets have sidewalks on ONLY ONE side - which is much less ideal if on foot. Consider if your destination is mid-block on the side WITHOUT the sidewalk. How do you get there other than jaywalk???
Additionally, this takes a street that could be a priority and makes it look complete. Bowling Av, south of West End is a prime example, where West End Middle School & Elmington Park sits. As a neighborhood, there has been a lengthy and passionate amount of advocacy for a sidewalk on the east side of the street (the side with the school & park) as the only piece of sidewalk is on the opposite side of this busy road. This is a serious safety issue & a major barrier for these students and the neighborhood as a whole. The school, for example is mid-block.
If you are talking sidewalks in Nashville, you have to be able to see on the map easily that the sidewalk is on one or both sides. I can see that the brown line is double for both sides and single for single-sided but is this being weighed the the same in planning? I would argue that a different color should be used so you can easily see which roads are one-sided and still need attention. Any other designation is unacceptable as an accurate tool for planning.
No comments:
Post a Comment