Tim Davis
@kettlemoraine.bsky.social
I post and read about land use issues: transportation, housing, sustainability, etc.
My plan is to highlight 1000s of commercial districts I’ve visited (mainly in PA, NY, WI, MI, OR, WA & BC) that have incredible potential.
Prioritize PEOPLE over CARS.
My plan is to highlight 1000s of commercial districts I’ve visited (mainly in PA, NY, WI, MI, OR, WA & BC) that have incredible potential.
Prioritize PEOPLE over CARS.
Giant pickup trucks always attract an admiring crowd. Only in 'Merica. Sigh... @nerd4cities.bsky.social
April 18, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Giant pickup trucks always attract an admiring crowd. Only in 'Merica. Sigh... @nerd4cities.bsky.social
"Green spaces" vs. mixed-use #housing on a major urban waterfront.
#Portland's waterfront will always be "grass & geese" unless they *ban cars* on Naito from Clay to Glisan.
The problem is Naito "Parkway!!" It's all cars, blank walls, & empty #parking lots. Line Better Naito with mixed-use housing
#Portland's waterfront will always be "grass & geese" unless they *ban cars* on Naito from Clay to Glisan.
The problem is Naito "Parkway!!" It's all cars, blank walls, & empty #parking lots. Line Better Naito with mixed-use housing
April 18, 2025 at 5:59 PM
"Green spaces" vs. mixed-use #housing on a major urban waterfront.
#Portland's waterfront will always be "grass & geese" unless they *ban cars* on Naito from Clay to Glisan.
The problem is Naito "Parkway!!" It's all cars, blank walls, & empty #parking lots. Line Better Naito with mixed-use housing
#Portland's waterfront will always be "grass & geese" unless they *ban cars* on Naito from Clay to Glisan.
The problem is Naito "Parkway!!" It's all cars, blank walls, & empty #parking lots. Line Better Naito with mixed-use housing
City populations are so misleading. Jacksonville is Florida’s “biggest city” at 991K. Miami is just 456K.
But if Jacksonville had Miami’s density, its population would be ~4.4 million!
Granted, Miami is also the world’s most suburban metro area (93% live in suburbia).
@andersem.bsky.social
But if Jacksonville had Miami’s density, its population would be ~4.4 million!
Granted, Miami is also the world’s most suburban metro area (93% live in suburbia).
@andersem.bsky.social
April 15, 2025 at 3:27 PM
City populations are so misleading. Jacksonville is Florida’s “biggest city” at 991K. Miami is just 456K.
But if Jacksonville had Miami’s density, its population would be ~4.4 million!
Granted, Miami is also the world’s most suburban metro area (93% live in suburbia).
@andersem.bsky.social
But if Jacksonville had Miami’s density, its population would be ~4.4 million!
Granted, Miami is also the world’s most suburban metro area (93% live in suburbia).
@andersem.bsky.social
#Philadelphia's Center City trolleys have amazing frequency. Coolest transit rides, too! No other trolley system in the U.S. has anywhere *near* this level of frequency.
#Philly is the absolute BEST, challenges and all. :)
#Philly is the absolute BEST, challenges and all. :)
March 14, 2025 at 3:42 PM
#Philadelphia's Center City trolleys have amazing frequency. Coolest transit rides, too! No other trolley system in the U.S. has anywhere *near* this level of frequency.
#Philly is the absolute BEST, challenges and all. :)
#Philly is the absolute BEST, challenges and all. :)
Don Drumpf just ended New York City's congestion pricing?!? OMG... Don't mess with New York, Orange Menace!
Keep fighting this, indeed! You WILL prevail, New York!
So much for "states' rights," Mr. Dump. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Keep fighting this, indeed! You WILL prevail, New York!
So much for "states' rights," Mr. Dump. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Trump administration terminates approval of New York City congestion pricing
Gov. Kathy Hochul insisted that the cameras crucial to the toll structure will remain in operation. "The cameras are staying on," she said.
www.nbcnews.com
February 20, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Don Drumpf just ended New York City's congestion pricing?!? OMG... Don't mess with New York, Orange Menace!
Keep fighting this, indeed! You WILL prevail, New York!
So much for "states' rights," Mr. Dump. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Keep fighting this, indeed! You WILL prevail, New York!
So much for "states' rights," Mr. Dump. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
#Barcelona climate shelters are now within a 10-minute walk of 97% of city residents: barcelonasecreta.com/en/climate-r... #ClimateCrisis #housing #HousingCrisis
Where to take refuge from the heat this summer: the map of 350 climate shelters
The network of climatic shelters, shaded accessible spaces, living areas and water point, is expanded by 120 to alleviate the heat wave.
barcelonasecreta.com
February 18, 2025 at 9:44 PM
#Barcelona climate shelters are now within a 10-minute walk of 97% of city residents: barcelonasecreta.com/en/climate-r... #ClimateCrisis #housing #HousingCrisis
OMG! A #Seattle civic leader *finally* supports getting rid of the ridiculous private auto traffic on Pike Place?!? Is today April Fool's?!? @caryw.bsky.social @spottnik.bsky.social
And *please* make ALL of Post Alley car-free! Activate those alleys!! People > cars.
And *please* make ALL of Post Alley car-free! Activate those alleys!! People > cars.
Mayor Harrell today on Pike Place: "I have a vision for our connected waterfront and Pike Place Market as one of the greatest pedestrian experiences in the country – where market patrons, visitors from out of town, and downtown residents do not have to worry about vehicle traffic." 1/2
February 18, 2025 at 9:43 PM
OMG! A #Seattle civic leader *finally* supports getting rid of the ridiculous private auto traffic on Pike Place?!? Is today April Fool's?!? @caryw.bsky.social @spottnik.bsky.social
And *please* make ALL of Post Alley car-free! Activate those alleys!! People > cars.
And *please* make ALL of Post Alley car-free! Activate those alleys!! People > cars.
Every square inch of greenfield development since 1960 needs to be de-paved and re-wilded as soon as possible. There's more than enough room for everyone within this footprint.
Metro KC alone spans > 5M acres! If all 2.1M lived within 1M acres, that's just 1344/sq mile. @thewaroncars.bsky.social
Metro KC alone spans > 5M acres! If all 2.1M lived within 1M acres, that's just 1344/sq mile. @thewaroncars.bsky.social
February 12, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Every square inch of greenfield development since 1960 needs to be de-paved and re-wilded as soon as possible. There's more than enough room for everyone within this footprint.
Metro KC alone spans > 5M acres! If all 2.1M lived within 1M acres, that's just 1344/sq mile. @thewaroncars.bsky.social
Metro KC alone spans > 5M acres! If all 2.1M lived within 1M acres, that's just 1344/sq mile. @thewaroncars.bsky.social
I had a heavenly time biking in Seville not long after this super ambitious (and shockingly inexpensive!) project was completed.
U.S. cities are sooo far behind the rest of the world in prioritizing PEOPLE over CARS!
U.S. cities are sooo far behind the rest of the world in prioritizing PEOPLE over CARS!
Seville, Spain eliminated 5,000 car parking spaces and built an 80 km protected cycling network in just 18 months with 32 million €.
Result: An average 70,000 bike trips a day.
Leadership.
Result: An average 70,000 bike trips a day.
Leadership.
February 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I had a heavenly time biking in Seville not long after this super ambitious (and shockingly inexpensive!) project was completed.
U.S. cities are sooo far behind the rest of the world in prioritizing PEOPLE over CARS!
U.S. cities are sooo far behind the rest of the world in prioritizing PEOPLE over CARS!
I have *tens of thousands* of photos of empty parking lots (and massive empty parking garages!) directly adjacent to beautiful blocks that were developed before private CARS (and semi trucks, pickups, etc) completely took over!
I can’t wait to shame every elected official in the U.S. about this.
I can’t wait to shame every elected official in the U.S. about this.
February 10, 2025 at 1:52 AM
I have *tens of thousands* of photos of empty parking lots (and massive empty parking garages!) directly adjacent to beautiful blocks that were developed before private CARS (and semi trucks, pickups, etc) completely took over!
I can’t wait to shame every elected official in the U.S. about this.
I can’t wait to shame every elected official in the U.S. about this.
@alanthefisher.bsky.social is SO right about how the one thing we don't "rail" against enough while praising rail-trails is that our infrastructure is entirely *private-auto-based*!
I love rail-trails, but replacing CAR space w/ active transpo is much more important! www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaDW...
I love rail-trails, but replacing CAR space w/ active transpo is much more important! www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaDW...
Why Rails to Trails are Problematic /// HovCity Ebike
YouTube video by Alan Fisher
www.youtube.com
February 6, 2025 at 8:22 PM
@alanthefisher.bsky.social is SO right about how the one thing we don't "rail" against enough while praising rail-trails is that our infrastructure is entirely *private-auto-based*!
I love rail-trails, but replacing CAR space w/ active transpo is much more important! www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaDW...
I love rail-trails, but replacing CAR space w/ active transpo is much more important! www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaDW...
The blocks of downtown Harrisburg that offer the most space for both the movement and storage of cars have the highest % of vacant businesses.
I have yet to hear of a single U.S. elected official who *truly* prioritizes PEOPLE over CARS, either budget- or policy-wise. @caryw.bsky.social
I have yet to hear of a single U.S. elected official who *truly* prioritizes PEOPLE over CARS, either budget- or policy-wise. @caryw.bsky.social
January 30, 2025 at 12:43 AM
The blocks of downtown Harrisburg that offer the most space for both the movement and storage of cars have the highest % of vacant businesses.
I have yet to hear of a single U.S. elected official who *truly* prioritizes PEOPLE over CARS, either budget- or policy-wise. @caryw.bsky.social
I have yet to hear of a single U.S. elected official who *truly* prioritizes PEOPLE over CARS, either budget- or policy-wise. @caryw.bsky.social
NEVER forget this side-by-side, #Seattle and #PikePlaceMarket patrons.
It's *insane* that private autos are still allowed on Pike Place! @pikeplacemarketfdn.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
It's *insane* that private autos are still allowed on Pike Place! @pikeplacemarketfdn.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
"People won't shop at Pike Place Market if they have to walk more than a block from their car." Dude, the whole market fits in the footprint of Costco.
January 29, 2025 at 4:53 PM
NEVER forget this side-by-side, #Seattle and #PikePlaceMarket patrons.
It's *insane* that private autos are still allowed on Pike Place! @pikeplacemarketfdn.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
It's *insane* that private autos are still allowed on Pike Place! @pikeplacemarketfdn.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
Exactly! The percentage of new houses built that are under 1400 sq ft was 40% in 1980! Now, it varies between 5% and 8%! The U.S. has way more than enough huge suburban-style homes. We need to build tons more small & modest (preferably *attached*) homes - and near frequent transit!
Accomack County, Virginia is reducing minimum lot sizes to encourage townhouse production. Townhouses are the starter homes of 2025—if your jurisdiction doesn't allow them, you've pulled up the ladder from the next generation of homeowners.
shoredailynews.com/headlines/ac...
shoredailynews.com/headlines/ac...
Accomack County Board sends proposal to reduce minimum lot sizes to Planning Commission - Shore Daily News
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to approve a resolution directing the Planning Commission to consider reducing minimum lot sizes for residential housing construction in Reside...
shoredailynews.com
January 21, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Exactly! The percentage of new houses built that are under 1400 sq ft was 40% in 1980! Now, it varies between 5% and 8%! The U.S. has way more than enough huge suburban-style homes. We need to build tons more small & modest (preferably *attached*) homes - and near frequent transit!
Exactly! While we need better #cycling and transit infrastructure, the FIRST thing that cities need to do is reduce the percentage of public right-of-way devoted to both the movement and storage of *private autos*.
This would have an incredible cascading effect on land use, #housing, #health, etc.
This would have an incredible cascading effect on land use, #housing, #health, etc.
New evidence that reducing cars is good for business:
In London, retail spending was stronger after neighborhoods were added to the Urban Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). Spending was also higher than in areas nearby but outside the ULEZ.
www.centreforcities.org/blog/ulez-ex...
In London, retail spending was stronger after neighborhoods were added to the Urban Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). Spending was also higher than in areas nearby but outside the ULEZ.
www.centreforcities.org/blog/ulez-ex...
January 21, 2025 at 4:59 PM
NO ONE on a Seattle-->Tacoma trip will take an hour-long Link ride to the Tacoma Dome - and then endure ANOTHER 30 minutes to go that final mile to *downtown* Tacoma.
Extend Link to downtown, not the Dome!! @soundtransit.bsky.social @downtownonthego.bsky.social tdlink.participate.online#comment
Extend Link to downtown, not the Dome!! @soundtransit.bsky.social @downtownonthego.bsky.social tdlink.participate.online#comment
Tacoma Dome Link Extension project update
TDLE Draft EIS now available
tdlink.participate.online
January 19, 2025 at 1:07 AM
NO ONE on a Seattle-->Tacoma trip will take an hour-long Link ride to the Tacoma Dome - and then endure ANOTHER 30 minutes to go that final mile to *downtown* Tacoma.
Extend Link to downtown, not the Dome!! @soundtransit.bsky.social @downtownonthego.bsky.social tdlink.participate.online#comment
Extend Link to downtown, not the Dome!! @soundtransit.bsky.social @downtownonthego.bsky.social tdlink.participate.online#comment
I don't get it. There's tons of free #parking. And it's right on a busy stroad. So, business should be booming, right?
Don't cars bring business?!? :) @parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
Don't cars bring business?!? :) @parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
January 15, 2025 at 12:55 AM
I don't get it. There's tons of free #parking. And it's right on a busy stroad. So, business should be booming, right?
Don't cars bring business?!? :) @parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
Don't cars bring business?!? :) @parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social @theurbanist.org
"Point Ruston parking now sticking point for visitors, workers." I'm sooo tired of seeing *everyone* arrive there by CAR.
Can we PLEASE make Ruston Way a corridor for *people* instead of nonstop CARS, #Tacoma?!? And rip out ALL of I-705 north of the 21st St Bridge. :) @downtownonthego.bsky.social
Can we PLEASE make Ruston Way a corridor for *people* instead of nonstop CARS, #Tacoma?!? And rip out ALL of I-705 north of the 21st St Bridge. :) @downtownonthego.bsky.social
January 15, 2025 at 12:50 AM
"Point Ruston parking now sticking point for visitors, workers." I'm sooo tired of seeing *everyone* arrive there by CAR.
Can we PLEASE make Ruston Way a corridor for *people* instead of nonstop CARS, #Tacoma?!? And rip out ALL of I-705 north of the 21st St Bridge. :) @downtownonthego.bsky.social
Can we PLEASE make Ruston Way a corridor for *people* instead of nonstop CARS, #Tacoma?!? And rip out ALL of I-705 north of the 21st St Bridge. :) @downtownonthego.bsky.social
The percentage of starter homes (under 1400 square feet) being built in the U.S. has absolutely plummeted.
In 1980, 40% of new detached homes being built were starter homes. By 2016, it was just 7%. @sightline.org @andersem.bsky.social
#zoning #housing #HousingCrisis
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zio8...
In 1980, 40% of new detached homes being built were starter homes. By 2016, it was just 7%. @sightline.org @andersem.bsky.social
#zoning #housing #HousingCrisis
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zio8...
January 12, 2025 at 10:38 PM
The percentage of starter homes (under 1400 square feet) being built in the U.S. has absolutely plummeted.
In 1980, 40% of new detached homes being built were starter homes. By 2016, it was just 7%. @sightline.org @andersem.bsky.social
#zoning #housing #HousingCrisis
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zio8...
In 1980, 40% of new detached homes being built were starter homes. By 2016, it was just 7%. @sightline.org @andersem.bsky.social
#zoning #housing #HousingCrisis
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zio8...
Providing limitless space for the movement and storage of private autos clearly results in vibrant cities and successful businesses.
Oops, on second thought...
@parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @caryw.bsky.social @jimflanagan4.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social
Oops, on second thought...
@parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @caryw.bsky.social @jimflanagan4.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social
January 11, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Providing limitless space for the movement and storage of private autos clearly results in vibrant cities and successful businesses.
Oops, on second thought...
@parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @caryw.bsky.social @jimflanagan4.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social
Oops, on second thought...
@parkingreform.org @tonyjordan.bsky.social @caryw.bsky.social @jimflanagan4.bsky.social @pushtheneedle.bsky.social @nerd4cities.bsky.social
Cities are, indeed, for PEOPLE!
Private-auto-based land use destroys the planet and humanity—on every level—WAYY more than any elected official can even *begin* to imagine.
Private-auto-based land use destroys the planet and humanity—on every level—WAYY more than any elected official can even *begin* to imagine.
Cars create dead space in cities. Brussels is learning it’s better to fill that space with life.
December 19, 2024 at 11:08 PM
Cities are, indeed, for PEOPLE!
Private-auto-based land use destroys the planet and humanity—on every level—WAYY more than any elected official can even *begin* to imagine.
Private-auto-based land use destroys the planet and humanity—on every level—WAYY more than any elected official can even *begin* to imagine.
Yup! Classic example of post-WWII land use. Planning *everything* around private auto use is the most destructive thing we’ve done to both the planet and society over the past 75 years.
And 99% of post-WWII architecture is hideous. 😊
And 99% of post-WWII architecture is hideous. 😊
Savannah Union Station before-and-after it was demolished for construction of I-16 and “urban renewal” in the 1960s. More info: www.segregationbydesign.com/savannah/uni...
December 18, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Yup! Classic example of post-WWII land use. Planning *everything* around private auto use is the most destructive thing we’ve done to both the planet and society over the past 75 years.
And 99% of post-WWII architecture is hideous. 😊
And 99% of post-WWII architecture is hideous. 😊
I’d MUCH prefer seeing private autos *banned* from as many intersections as possible in dense urban areas.
Signs don’t “curb” bad behavior in the slightest.
#Montreal is a leader in creating streets for PEOPLE, with car traffic minimized. USA cities have SO much to learn from Montreal & Vancouver.
Signs don’t “curb” bad behavior in the slightest.
#Montreal is a leader in creating streets for PEOPLE, with car traffic minimized. USA cities have SO much to learn from Montreal & Vancouver.
ON THE PODCAST: Nathan Hawkins of Vision Zero Vancouver on their campaign to ban right turn on red and create a safer city for pedestrians and cyclists.
@visionzeroyvr.bsky.social @hubvancouverubc.bsky.social @brenttoderian.bsky.social @pjnewwest.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
@visionzeroyvr.bsky.social @hubvancouverubc.bsky.social @brenttoderian.bsky.social @pjnewwest.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
December 16, 2024 at 5:07 PM
I’d MUCH prefer seeing private autos *banned* from as many intersections as possible in dense urban areas.
Signs don’t “curb” bad behavior in the slightest.
#Montreal is a leader in creating streets for PEOPLE, with car traffic minimized. USA cities have SO much to learn from Montreal & Vancouver.
Signs don’t “curb” bad behavior in the slightest.
#Montreal is a leader in creating streets for PEOPLE, with car traffic minimized. USA cities have SO much to learn from Montreal & Vancouver.
Classic American downtown waterfront. Granted, Harrisburg’s is 100 times better than Philly’s!
It’s WAY past time to REMOVE I-95 in Center City Philadelphia!!
It’s WAY past time to REMOVE I-95 in Center City Philadelphia!!
December 4, 2024 at 10:12 PM
Classic American downtown waterfront. Granted, Harrisburg’s is 100 times better than Philly’s!
It’s WAY past time to REMOVE I-95 in Center City Philadelphia!!
It’s WAY past time to REMOVE I-95 in Center City Philadelphia!!