Walkable Cities: The True Path to Reducing Car Dependence

We've been chasing a dream. A dream that technology would save us from our ever-growing traffic woes and our undeniable reliance on automobiles. When Uber and Lyft first came onto the scene, many heralded them as the magic wand that would make our cities less car-dependent. The allure was irresistible: On-demand transportation at our fingertips, which would render personal cars obsolete and free our streets from congestion.

Yet, the data has been increasingly clear that this was a mirage. According to a study from the University of California, Davis, only a mere 6% of rideshare users actually got rid of a personal vehicle due to these services. Instead, ridesharing added to the problem, with a 2019 study published in "Science Advances" finding that Uber and Lyft contributed to a 3% increase in traffic in San Francisco alone between 2010 and 2016.

So, where did we go wrong? It's simple. We were looking for a quick technological fix to a deeply rooted urban design problem. Our cities aren't congested because we lack efficient ways to get around; they're congested because we've designed them to be that way. But there is a solution, one as old as cities themselves: walkability.

What Makes Walkability the Answer?

Walkable cities are not just places where you can walk; they are places where you want to walk. They combine residential, commercial, and leisure spaces within close proximity, creating a human-centered environment. In a walkable city, a trip to the grocery store or a cafe doesn't require a car. Children can walk to schools safely, and parks and recreational spaces are just a short stroll away.

The concept of walkable cities isn’t novel; it’s a return to our roots. It's how cities were designed before cars took over, turning our urban landscapes into concrete labyrinths of highways and parking lots. It's not a rejection of modernity, but a modern, sustainable approach to urban living that prioritizes humans over machines.

The Real Estate Case for Walkability

As a real estate development company, we see the value in walkability beyond the societal and environmental benefits. Walkable neighborhoods often have higher property values, driven by demand for the lifestyle they offer. According to the "Foot Traffic Ahead" report from George Washington University, real estate values in walkable urban areas outperformed those in car-dependent suburbs. Plus, walkable areas are good for business. A 2015 report from the Urban Land Institute found that 50% of U.S. residents said they would like to live in a place where they do not need to use a car often.

How to Achieve Walkability?

Achieving walkability isn't about slapping sidewalks on existing roads. It’s about fundamentally redesigning our urban environments. We need mixed-use developments that bring people closer to jobs, schools, and amenities. We need public spaces that encourage community interactions, and we need urban policies that prioritize pedestrians over cars.

Incorporating walkability into existing city layouts can be challenging but it's far from impossible. Simple measures like converting car lanes to pedestrian pathways, widening sidewalks, and improving crosswalks can make an enormous difference.

Pratt Landing as a Case Study for Walkability

Twining Properties leverages innovative design in its Pratt Landing project to create a pinnacle of walkable urban living. By breaking up the 'super block' into smaller, pedestrian-friendly blocks lined with diverse retail spaces, and stitching back the development back into surrounding neighborhoods, Pratt Landing aims to be a pedestrian friendly neighborhood center. The smart move of situating parking underground frees up surface area for enhanced public spaces, amplifying walkability. With a focus on form-based zoning, Pratt Landing seamlessly integrates various building types into a cohesive, yet dynamic streetscape. The project serves as a compelling case study in how thoughtful planning can transform urban spaces into pedestrian-oriented communities.

Conclusion

We cannot ride-share our way out of the car culture we’ve created. Instead, we should invest in redesigning our cities to be walkable, human-centric environments. As a company vested in the future of our cities, we see walkable cities not just as a good idea but as the only sustainable path forward. Twining Properties is deeply committed to creating walkable urban landscapes that prioritize community and sustainability. By using smart zoning, integrating retail with residential spaces, and shifting parking underground, we aim to encourage pedestrian interaction and reduce car dependency. Our focus is on designing connected, vibrant neighborhoods for people, not cars. It’s time to stop looking for quick fixes and start investing in long-term solutions. Walkability isn't just a feature of urban living; it's the future of urban living.