<p> "Feasible," "relevant," "inspiring," "focused," "achievable," and "shareable," were all words our City R+D judges used to describe the Walk Stop proposal aimed at making the Midtown area of San Francisco safer and more walkable.</p><p> From the proposal:</p><blockquote> <p> The purpose of this pilot program is 4-fold:</p> <p> 1. To promote the health of San Franciscan residents and tourists and the environment by encouraging walking.</p> <p> 2. To build social capital within neighborhoods by developing a network of Walk Stops with benches, greenery, community posts (for posting notices) and wayfinders with walking and biking times to adjacent communities and points-of-interest.</p> <p> 3. To connect communities by creating a network of Walk Stops throughout the city.</p> <p> 4. To calm traffic at important intersections by building safe and inviting spaces. </p>\n</blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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</p><p> The proposed Walk Stop will also increase safety, create a sense of place and promote public health among other things.</p><blockquote> <p> -Increase safety and sidewalk space with Bulbouts where possible; if they already exist, all the easier</p> <p> -Add greenery through the smart use of permeable pavement, at least 2 squares/walk stop</p> <p> -Build vibrant places for commerce, seating and foot traffic with the inclusion of a parklet by a retail outlet adjacent to Walk Stop without blocking traffic</p> <p> -Showcase local artists and create community with chalked mandalas in the center of the intersections, temporary, but refreshed biannually</p> <p> -Promote health and community connection with a combined community post/wayfinder at each WalkStop. Wayfinders would not only promote the presence of good resources, but also reduce the psychological distance to walking to them. </p>\n</blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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</p><p> "It's so rare that you're able to get attendance from community members," says organizer Paul Supawanich. "City R+D gave us the opportunity to connect the right people and to get people to have a conversation in the first place. That's really important." </p>
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