How do you make Downtown Orlando a more pedestrian-friendly place?
Dan Burden, founder of nonprofit organization Walkable Communities, paid a visit to Orlando to assess the downtown area. Pointing at a “No Cruising” sign at the corner of Jefferson Street and Orange Avenue, Burden states a downtown area should be where people are cruising; taking their time to actually take in what the downtown retailers and restaurants have to offer. With “No cruising” signs, it urges drivers to move on through and pass up what has the potential to be a richer downtown urban community.
Historically, city planners, engineers and law-makers felt the success of a downtown area was related to how many vehicles could get into an area and park, and how quickly those same commuters could get out of the area come evening rush hour.
Burden’s suggestion is to open Orange Avenue as a two-way street rather than isolating it as a one-way. Economic success of an area relies directly on the traffic being brought through it, as well as in what manner the traffic is being brought. If the traffic is urged to fly through, local businesses suffer
The high volume of traffic and increased speed limit through downtown is detrimental to businesses as well as pedestrians. Increasing the appeal of a pedestrian-friendly, active city life in downtown Orlando directly benefits the vitality of the local economy.
Some common mistakes Burden noted about the streets downtown included too-narrow crosswalks as well as crosswalks set too far back from the corner. The roads are wider than necessary, and turn lanes, which aid in keeping traffic moving at a high speed, are in areas where the speed needs to be lowered. There are no bicycle lanes, forcing bikes onto sidewalks, and making those sidewalks less appealing for pedestrian strolls.
Burden has assessed over 2,500 cities internationally, due to an increase in various communities’ raised awareness of the importance of better access to businesses, street parking and a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
Eliminating one-way streets from downtown Orlando has long been considered by Orlando officials, and if alternative transportation such as SunRail can divert cars from the roadways, the discussion of creating a more pedestrian-friendly downtown could progress much faster. It is clear the most successful way to revitalize downtown is to accept the idea that a few extra minutes may be spent in traffic, although you may find yourself more interested in taking an after-work stroll to enjoy the sights and spend time decompressing from your day at a local cafe or happy hour, and head home when the traffic congestion has slowed down.
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Tags: active city life, downtown Orlando, eliminating one-way streets, Lake Eola, luxury condo high rise, luxury urban living, Orlando high rise, The VUE, urban community, urban lifestyle, walkable communities