Definition and types of pedestrians: variations on a theme

Let’s start with some definitions of pedestrianization, reconciling that a “universal” meaning might be difficult to come by, particularly in the context of different convictions or interests. The merits of a group’s definition could easily turn into an argument with another party (who has a totally different frame of mind) when their different definitions are placed side by side. Here, let’s stay open to a number of variations on a theme.

Converting a street or area for car-free use is called pedestrianization. Alternatively, it is the elimination of vehicular access to a street, for the exclusive use of pedestrians, through local policies such as street closures or similar restrictions. Therefore, a pedestrian location has become synonymous with the absence of motorized vehicles within an area.

The issue can also be thought of in the context of a road that is dominated by people on foot; hence the essence derived from pedestrians and the consequent pedestrianization of an area. Such meaning is always accompanied by the absence of automobiles or motorized vehicles, as we now reconcile with the elements of pedestrians versus vehicles, and the dominance or absence of the other.

As reconciled in this document, it has three types:

1. Total pedestrianization is the elimination of motor vehicle traffic at all times and every day through formal traffic orders. In this, continuous is my keyword of choice, as it describes a situation where the absence of automobiles is uninterrupted in the context of time. When this scheme is implemented, it is common for affected businesses to get creative with the way they deliver their goods and supplies to and from their establishments. Sometimes it is necessary to soften the definition and allow small motor vehicles to enter the premises during “periods of inactivity”, at the latest at night or very early in the morning.

2. Part-time pedestrianization is the elimination of motor vehicle traffic only during certain hours of the day and / or certain days of the week. Continuous is my keyword of choice here, as it indicates a constantly recurring transition between allowing and banning cars on a road. Time periods can range from designated periods within the day, weekly periods, or only designated periods within a year.

3. Partial pedestrianization is to allow some slow speed motor vehicle traffic; also called Traffic Calming. In this, restriction is my keyword of choice, reflecting how this plan is typically undertaken. Common strategies include reducing the width of an existing road (and widening the adjoining sidewalk) to cause a bottleneck effect and, consequently, the slowdown in traffic. The introduction of humps has also been accepted as another alternative under this scheme.

As seen from the above, the concept of pedestrianization is not always the total removal of cars from a place. Very often the strategy or type of pedestrianization has to be correlated with what is appropriate in the context of the businesses that could be affected and stakeholder buy-in.

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