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  • How two Belgian cities turned their pavements into playgrounds

    June 22, 2018 |

    Apolitical |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: Belgium, Antwerp

    Urban planners in Belgium are creating play spaces, known as the “speelweefselplan,” to give children more room to be outside. The design process includes asking schoolchildren about their routes to and from school, and then planners map out ways to make those routes more interactive. As cities grow and traditional parks are limited, this model shows a way that cities can continue to be welcoming for children.

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  • Three ways cities remodelled their streets for people, not cars

    June 08, 2018 |

    Apolitical |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: United States, New York, New York

    Pedestrian-oriented development takes many forms, but three cities have demonstrated success. In New York City, a local transit commissioner convinced the city to pedestrianize parts of Times Square using data to make the case. In San Paulo, local officials simply repainted streets to test redesign efforts. Finally, Barcelona is becoming known for its superblocks, which decrease car use by redesigning large city blocks.

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  • Cash converters: could this Dutch scheme stop drivers speeding?

    May 25, 2018 |

    The Guardian |

    Text |

    Under 800 Words

    Response Location: Netherlands, Helmond, North Brabant

    A city in Holland known for its lead-footed drivers is finding success in changing behavior by offering small increments of funding for each car that stays at or below the speed limit. The initial effort raised 500 euros for a local playing field well before the three-week target date. The mobile speedometer will be moved to various cities around the province for the next two years and officials say it's a way to break drivers out of their routines and encourage them to think more about everyone's role in traffic safety.

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  • The Amazing Psychology of Japanese Train Stations

    May 22, 2018 |

    Bloomberg CityLab |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: Japan

    Rail transport is a necessity for many commuters around the world. Japan's transportation industry has found a way to improve this means of transport by implementing subtle behavioral psychology mechanisms. From blue lighting to decrease suicides to departure jingles to reduce passenger anxiety and haste, the nation is succeeding in having a near-perfect methodology for travel despite overcrowded stations.

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  • A Simple Way to Improve a Billion Lives: Eyeglasses

    May 05, 2018 |

    The New York Times |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: India, Panipat, Haryana

    The World Health Organization estimates that $200 billion worth of productivity is lost every year due to untreated poor eyesight. Several organizations, such as EYElliance and Aravind Eye Hospital, are working to combat this problem by administering free vision tests and helping people who need glasses get them at an affordable rate.

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  • Copenhagen Mastermind Jan Gehl Isn't Sold on 'Smart' Cities

    April 30, 2018 |

    Bloomberg CityLab |

    Text |

    1500-3000 Words

    Response Location: Denmark, Copenhagen

    Copenhagen is a highly livable city, thanks to policies that focus on making streets safe and convenient to walk. The bigger the city, the worse it is to design urban spaces only with cars in mind, says planner and architect Jan Gehl. His top advice is to gather data about people and their movements, making pedestrians as visible in city planning as automobile traffic.

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  • How snow has become a tool in urban planning

    March 08, 2018 |

    The Boston Globe |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

    An increasing number of cities are looking to redesign roadways, sidewalks, and intersections based on the way spaces are needed after snow storms. Snow piles left after snowplows carve paths for vehicles are basically unused pavement that could be repurposed for things like wider sidewalks, green spaces, and bike paths. Philadelphia officials have redone an intersection after viewing photos by residents and advocates showing unused portions of pavement.

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  • Sharing the Road: How Can We End Bike Fatalities on Chicago's Streets?

    February 27, 2018 |

    Logan Squarist |

    Multi-Media |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

    Chicago officials strive to make the city safer for bicyclists by looking for inspiration in other cities, adopting the "Vision Zero" initiative that aims for zero traffic-related deaths, and investing in education platforms. While the city has made progress in creating bicycle-only lanes on the road, local officials still move forward in implementing a more comprehensive plan for traffic safety.

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  • Building minds: How Detroit grows mobility talent

    February 19, 2018 |

    Model D |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

    Michigan is becoming a leader in the field of autonomous vehicles. Fifteen colleges and universities across the state have joined in an academic consortium to ensure students entering the workforce will have the necessary skills to advance mobility technology. Competitions in vehicle development and robotics are equipping students to become leaders in the field.

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  • Here's one idea to make ‘Storrowing' a thing of the past

    February 08, 2018 |

    The Boston Globe |

    Text |

    800-1500 Words

    Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

    A persistent problem in Massachusetts of trucks going through tunnels or underpasses that are too low for safe clearance has prompted officials to look to Sydney, Australia for a possible solution. Officials in that city worked with a private company to develop a system where if a truck is too tall, it triggers a warning so officials can activate a sheet of water at the tunnel entrance upon which is projected the holographic image of a giant red Stop sign. It's proven successful in stopping drivers before they enter the tunnel.

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