Gil Penalosa has advised thousands of leaders around the world in over 300 different cities on how to create vibrant cities with healthy communities for all people.
“Why do we need really good quality sidewalks and bikeways? Part of it its because its going to be safer, but just as important is it because we need to dignify the people that walk. We need to dignify the people that ride bikes.”
Penalosa spoke to a packed audience at the Lit GR venue in downtown Grand Rapids for the 4th Annual Latino Placemaking Lecture Sries, about the importance of making a livable community they need to include everyone from 8 years old to 80 years old.
“Because if its great for the eight and its great for the eighty … its going to be great for everybody..from zero to over one hundred. We must stop building cities as if everybody was 30 years old and athletic.”
Today over 90% of the trips made in Grand Rapids are made by car. So, why aren’t more people in Grand Rapids walking, biking and taking the bus? Penaloso says this is because the infrastructure in the city wasn’t made for safe walking, cycling and use of public transportation.
“I mean if we are going to improve walkability we got to lower the speed. All of Grand Rapids should be 20 miles an hour—the residential areas, on the big roads you can be at 40, 50, 60.”
For Penalosa, this change can only happen when it is coupled with action.
“But with a shared vision and lots of action you are going to create a vibrant and healthier and happier Grand Rapids.”
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.