1/
Here’s a little thread about mobility & liveable neighbourhoods. I’ll call it
THE WOMAN & THE WALL
#Ballincollig has a magnificent park, the #RegionalPark. The park has riverside & woodland walks, playing fields, playgrounds, & historical buildings. It’s well used & loved.
2/
Recently, the central path in the park was extended to a new eastern entrance, making it accessible from new neighbourhoods.
Nearby residents want to use it.
3/
But what will people do when they are walled off from the most direct way to the park? Will they take the long way around?
Or will they do something else?
4/
What I’ve seen is that ordinary residents engage in a little pro-social vandalism – destroying barriers to create a better neighbourhood. Someone removed the coping from the top of a wall & made a makeshift step to climb over the wall.
5/
I haven’t seen everyone who uses it. But I did see a mom and her two young kids climb over the wall. And pass over a scooter. And a doll pram.
6/
Others must think that’s a great idea. Because a few metres further, the people of the next street did exactly the same thing.
I don’t usually support vandalism. In this case, I’ll make an exception.
7/
But there’s a problem.
Not everyone can climb walls. Children in buggies. The mobility impaired. People on bikes. Dog-walkers. Those with injuries. Shoppers. Pregnant women. The elderly.
And the wall wouldn’t deter those bent on trouble.
8/
There’s an obvious solution. A better solution. Knock an opening in that wall & put a path through it.
That would allow people walking or cycling to get around more easily and enjoy their neighbourhood more.
This is #permeability.
9/
#Permeability is really important. It makes for more inclusive & liveable neighbourhoods. It allows people to get around more easily. It increases accessibility but not car & truck traffic. Having an attractive alternative to driving will actually reduce traffic volumes.
10/
Cork city now has a new transport strategy. Increasing neighbourhood permeability has to be the simplest, cheapest, & quickest measure to improve mobility in the city.
That’s an easy win. And I know of at least one woman & her kids who will benefit!
11/
What are the barriers to walking & cycling in YOUR neighbourhood?
@KarlDiskin @GardenCityShane @cyclistie @GalwayCycling @LimerickCycling @Streets4People @ireland_active @tmfcork @CorkHealthyCity @LorraineFitzsim @corkcitycouncil @Love30ie @IrishPedestrian @CiaranCuffe
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.