Pedestrian and Traffic Needs

P E D E S T R I A N & T R A F F I C N E E D S

This section focuses on the needs of the pedestrians and other users of the street. It provides a list of services that these users would expect from a street of today and/or one of the future. These services have been listed by their functions, and subdivided into various categories according to the kind of functions they perform and the kind of services they provide. Some of the services listed here are already addressed by today's existing streets, while others still have not been implemented. However, such services will make the streets of the future more useful and user friendly towards the pedestrian and other users.

Note that no specific mention has been made of any kind of facilities that provide these services. The services have been listed by their functions. For example, in the list, one of the needs is that people need to know about parking regulations, however no mention is made of parking signs. This is done so as not to constrict our views to traditional solutions. Listing them by function helps to focus on the needs of the pedestrian and users and in this way, there is a possibility that these needs can be addressed in a more efficient manner than they are dealt with today.

Access to driveways.
Access to basements and underground storerooms.
Access to sewer systems.

Ways for business to advertise products, in order to generate revenue.
Non - profit advertisements (e.g. public safety, public education)
Ways for pedestrian to sample products (e.g. Music, videos. CD ROM's, new
software)

Make the street look spacious and not too clustered.
Make the street look pleasing to the eye.
Allow for artistic objects and sculptures to be placed on the street.
Plant more trees and flowers.
Strict penalties for littering the street and sidewalks.
Uniform appearance of streets.

Easy access to public toilets.
Place to sit and rest.
Shelter from adverse weather conditions (e.g. snow, rain, wind )
Places to buy drinks, food, etc.
Easy access to drinking water.
A place to walk

Communicating with other people.
Transferring information easily.
Public access to information highway.
Ask questions in own language.
ay to report faulty equipment easily or any other problem (e.g. malfunctioning ATM)
Sending mail, packages, Fed Ex, etc.
Be able to make international phone calls using your own long distance phone
company.
Personal locators and identification systems

Firefighter access to water.
Locate nearest policeman or police station.
Quickly get an ambulance when needed.
Easy and fast communication with emergency services.
Easy access to first aid kit or basic medical equipment.

Place to meet with other people to socialize.
Provide on-site attractions (e.g. music and videos).
Provide entertainment for kids.

Provide easy accessibility of all services on the sidewalk for the handicapped.
Ensure easy way for handicaps to cross the road.
To provide services that warn the handicapped of impending obstacles and dangers.
To provide information in both audio and visual formats.
Better handicapped access to public transportation.

Inform of the closest transportation service (subway, cab, bus, etc.)
Allow user to input destination point, and then suggest the shortest or the quickest way to reach the desired destination.
Provide real-time information about problems or delays on a specific route.
Display information about the next available mass transit service (e.g. time of arrival of next bus, subway).
Decode a given address into a cross streets and avenues.
Provide flight information and advise of any delays at major airports.
Advice on the availability of seats to a particular destination and provide fare information.
Real-time "smart" control of traffic.
Real-time "smart" control of pedestrians.
Not get hit by falling objects.
Be safe during natural disasters (earthquakes, flash floods).
Way to determine when water/gas mains fail.
Cars that will avoid accidents.
Early accident warning system for pedestrians/drivers.
Preventing drivers from DUI.
Anti-earthquake streets.
Automatic penalties for pedestrians and drivers who commit violations.
Determine quality of drinking water.

Place to throw garbage (regular and recycling).
Good drainage system for rain and snow
Prevent people from dumping garbage bags on the sidewalks i.e. common collection points for garbage.
Prevent sewer smells and material from spilling into the street.
Breathe clean air.
Way to dispose of garbage so it cannot be seen or smelled.
Self-cleaning streets.

Way of getting money.
Cashless purchases.
Machines that sell personal necessities (tooth brushes, over the counter drugs, etc.).
Get public services without lines (stamps, tokens, maps etc.).
Provide both paid and free literature (Newspapers, home buying guides, auto buyer's guide).
Way to get power on the go without having to plug into an electrical outlet (for portable electronic equipment).

Transport heavy/bulky items without carrying them.
Not physically exerting oneself when walking.
Work when traveling.
Read people's minds.

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