Monday, June 09, 2008

Busy Sidewalks

I recently read an interview with Enrique Penalosa in the New York Time Magazine. For those that don't know, he is a former mayor of Bogota, Columbia. He brought up an interesting point. For democracy to exist, major cities need sidewalks. The more I think about it, the more I agree. Sidewalks allow for mobility of people. Roads allow for the mobility of people with cars. Roads automatically exclude people. This is especially true in developing countries according to Mr. Penalosa. My own small hometown doesn't have many sidewalks. When people walk along those rodes (in non work out clothes), there seems to be this idea that these people are lower class since they have to walk on the road. Inequality, while it will always exist, should not be tolerated in societies. At least we should fight to improve them. Also, sidewalks are good for us. I've been walking around New Orleans a lot lately (why? well read my new blog). I feel better doing it. Now, do I think having more sidewalks will change the world. No, but having more sidewalks might change more people which will then change the world. I know, a strange little return blog that doesn't make much since, but most of the time neither do I. However, I will try to upload this blog more often by commenting on ideas that I come across and find interesting.

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