[Winona Online Democracy] So Dwayne if I understand the logic--
That creating aesthetics such as deploying sunbathers at Huff and Lake Street could eliminate the necessity to use speed bumps and signages as people would naturally slow down to take in the surroundings. Should the city embrace the idea and try to replicate it in other areas thus reducing signage costs, and would law enforcement be faced with more rear end related accidents which then would increase body shop growth and employment opportunities? :-) Paul Double -----Original Message----- Behalf Of Dwayne & Denine Voegeli Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2005 9:31 AM [Winona Online Democracy] I remember reading a letter to the editor that Paul Double wrote awhile ago wherein he expressed his concern for naked seniors walking around Winona. I'd like to dedicate this story about "naked traffic design" to Paul. ;-> Seriously though, interesting ideas as we look at major transportation dissections of Winona. Dwayne Voegeli August 28, 2005 ------ NEW TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLS: INTRIGUE & UNCERTAINTY http://www.lesstraffic.com/ Just as one would not build a house with mostly corridors for passing quickly through and only a few rooms, early city builders reduced the need for pure movement corridors by combining public spaces (where commerce and sociability occur) and movement space. All great streets and neighborhoods worldwide have a feeling of passing from one outdoor living room to another. The same design principles used to create a great indoor room can be used to create a great street that is pleasant and useful to both pedestrians and motorists, asserts the provocative transportation expert David Engwicht from . Unlike traditional traffic calming, these principles rely more on changing the psychological feel, rather than the physical geometry, of the street. Inherent in traffic calming is the assumption that spending money on devices that force motorists to slow down will automatically result in neighborhood street life reestablishing itself. Engwicht's counterintuitive "street reclaiming," referred to as "naked streets" or "shared space" in Europe, aims to use cheaper methods to convey how motorists should behave while in the "rooms" of a city, seducing them to slow down. This new approach to street design, pioneered by Engwicht and Hans Monderman of Holland, relies on "mental speed bumps." Rather than street design that can engender a false sense of security, this approach presents a streetscape of ambiguity, intrique and uncertainty (as in: 'where exactly is the curb? I'd better slow down and pay attention!'). Monderman, a traffic engineer, removed all the traffic signs and road markings in the village of Makkinga. Not only has this improved the physical look of the village, accidents are down by 10% and speeds have been reduced significantly. In Oosterwolle, the traffic lights have been taken out and the corner cuts removed. As a result people have begun using the intersection as a traditional town square, which helps reduce traffic speeds even further. Engwicht presents his design principles, examples and psychological and sociological theory, in a fascinating 32-page booklet "Intrigue & Uncertainty," available for free downloading at his web site above. See also useful documents such as how to create an Instant Street Reclaiming Event. St. Paul will host live demonstrations of and talks/workshops on street reclaiming by Engwicht on October 13 - 13, 2005. Those interested in attending these and in helping plan for the visit can contact Russ Stark, Executive Director, Midway Transportation Management Organization (TMO: http://www.universityunited.com/midwaytmo/), 651/644-5108 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------ Dwayne Voegeli Winona County Commissioner (507) 453-9012 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 359 Pleasant Hill Dr. Winona, MN 55987 ------------ _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
