08 September 2009

Crowd Connection

Findlay Market was rocking this past Saturday. It was super crowded, and more kids than usual.

I took a few random pictures:

Bumpy Bar:


Mild Tampa Cubs:


Little Dog and Ball Furniture:


Cigar, Beer and Stroller:


I noticed that lots of people were stopping and studying this proposed transit map. Its inspirational.

Looking at Map 1:


Looking at Map 2:


Looking at Map 3:


Later that afternoon, we were at Fountain Square, and it was absolutely packed for the Guiness Oyster Fest:


However, the dozen or so blocks from about 6th Street to Elder Street (at Findlay Market) were pretty desolate. As you probably already know, some are really desolate. Seems like we have these successful nodes of activity in a few spots downtown and the riverfront, but they are too far apart to generate energy off each other.

Hmmm, If only there was some way to connect these nodes and build some synergy. Seems to me some other cities might have figured out how to do this. Maybe some kind of pedestrian, ( and biker, wheelchair) assistance device that you could roll onto with your stroller, and that would be easy to understand and use. Something comfortable, quiet and maybe electric. Something that supports the nodes of activities, supports the walker, encourages storefront retail and helps enliven the sidewalks in ways that cars and buses don't. We have some good basics here, we just need the connectivity, the walkers, the transit to bring it together.

6 comments:

Mark Miller said...

You mean something like a Segway?

Quimbob said...

"Maybe some kind of pedestrian, ( and biker, wheelchair) assistance device that you could roll onto with your stroller, and that would be easy to understand and use."
Segways must have made some serious advancements of late.

Paul Wilham said...

Cincinnati needs a "Cultural Trail". Indy has one.It was funded through private and corporate donations. It connects the downtowns entertainment cultural arts districts with a walkway/bike trail that goes through the city. It has art installations along its route, is landscaped and used by many to get from point A to B.

The trail has helped spur new business growth along the route.

Being funded through private and corporate funding to the city who does the infrastructure without Taxpayer dollars. It would keep groups like COAST from opposing it so there might be "chance" it could really happen.

Link here to the website:
http://www.indyculturaltrail.org/

Quimbob said...

Did the bumpy bars serve a purpose other than ornament ?
Never used one but you could lock a bike to 'em if you used a cable or chain.

CityKin said...

I think they are just to lean on so you don't hit the glass storefront, and the bumps are to keep you from getting too comfortable.

Unknown said...

the bumpy bar is where you tied your horse up. It's my house. Good Photo.