Tag: sidewalks

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A quick look at Campus Pointe Development – Pedestrian oriented? Not really

On By jamesinclair

If you’ve been past Fresno State on Shaw any time this year, you’ve seen construction underway at Campus Pointe. It’s yet another shopping center for Fresno, in a part of town that isn’t exactly lacking in retail options. The project is a joint development between Fresno State, and the people who brought us River Park.

The “selling point” is that it is directly next to Fresno State, so it’s being advertised as a place for students to visit, and somewhere they can do so walking or biking. Sadly, the fundamentals are missing which make it a real walking or biking destination, and parking is a huge center-piece, as expected. As is the case in every Fresno development, the main street (Chestnut in this case) is fronted by parking. Click to read more!

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Broadway streetscape project almost done, results are disappointing

On By jamesinclair

It’s been almost three years since the project was announced, and now the Broadway streetscape project in downtown Fresno is almost done. The plan involved giving Broadway a small road diet, removing a center turn lane and one general lane to add angled parking on each side. The project included absolutely no bicycle accommodations (contrary to the master plan) but did add some amenities for pedestrians in the form of sidewalk extensions at intersections.

Sadly, the project has done many things wrong. The lack of attention to detail shows that Fresno does not have a planner that understands bicycle or pedestrian planning – or even basic ADA. Sort of shocking for a city of half a million. Let’s take a look. Click to read more!

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Clovis gets grant for solar bus stop lighting

On By jamesinclair

One of our frequent commentators is going to like this news.

Clovis has received a grant from Homeland Security to install solar lighting systems at various bus stops around town.

I find homeland security to be an absurd waste of money, so I think it’s fantastic that Clovis is milking the cow to actually produce real benefits for local residents. I don’t understand how a light at a bus stop is meant to deter terrorism … but it’s money the transit system can use for a good cause – customer service.

I’ve argued previously that Clovis and Fresno should apply for every possible grant they can process, and this is a good example of the benefits. It’s especially nice to see that Clovis remembers they have a transit system, even though it doesn’t operate at night, and has very few shelters. Click to read more!

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Fresno State: $4 million to turn trees to asphalt

On By jamesinclair

If you’ve heard only one thing about the California State University system in the past couple of years, then it’s probably the words “budget cuts”. Details like “enrollment slashed” or “tuition hiked”. “Classes eliminated”. Remaining classes “doubling in size”. That’s what we’ve been reading in the news every month for the past few years.

So it’s especially maddening to see this piece of news which hit every station in Fresno today.

Fresno State faculty members gathered Thursday to express dismay and confusion over the university’s decision to chop down 160 mature trees, making room for 600 more parking spaces on the east side of campus. Click to read more!

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Being a pedestrian on Blackstone, in pictures

On By jamesinclair

Blackstone Ave is by far Fresno’s busiest north/south route. It begins downtown near the biggest regional hospital (as Abbey) and then heads north, passing by Fresno City College. It then passes by the first suburban mall in the city (Manchester), continues north near the second suburban mall (Fashion) and then onward to the newest shopping mecca, River Park.

Along the way, there are a series of “zones” where auto-centric businesses cluster together, from an area of mostly motels, to an area of mostly car dealerships. Fast food outlets litter the sides, include the 10th Mcdonalds ever built. Click to read more!

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Mexico City ped/bike infrastructure, airport and random pictures

On By jamesinclair

This is a continuation of pictures from Mexico City.
Older entries:
Mexico City Periférico construction in pictures
Mexico City Metrobús in pictures

Here I look at sidewalk and pedestrian infrastructure, some bikes, light rail, the airport and even some ancient roadways.

In downtown Mexico City, I spotted a brand new separated bike lane, with a green bike box and all. Note the two folks using the Ecobici bikeshare bikes. Also note the public tourism bus.

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On foot, we explore the neighborhood of Tlalpan. Small local parks are pleasant.

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Sidewalks have many, many trees, but the trees do a good job of making the concrete very uneven. Click to read more!

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Survey says: South Fresno residents #1 priority = better streets

On By jamesinclair

Last night, a forum was held downtown concerning what residents of south Fresno want to see improved. The purpose of this meeting was so city officials could take into account feedback when designing the new plans that will affect how neighborhoods are designed and revitalized in the next few decades.

One of the highlights of the meeting was when one of the presenters revealed results from some surveys they did.

The first question they asked went along the lines of

“Given unlimited funding, what is the first thing you would chose to improve in your neighborhood”.
(Unfortunately I didn’t jot down the exact wording and the presentation isn’t online) Click to read more!