
New York construction fence Walking Men (Broken Sidewalk)
Urban construction sites are far too often messy, dusty, and unpleasant to be around, but a public art project in Lower Manhattan called Re: Construction aims to bring innovative art installations to construction sites around the city. Among the initiatives is a display called Walking Men 99 by Maya Barkai which covers a plywood construction fence with 99 life-size pedestrian walk symbols from around the world at 99 Church Street where a Four Seasons Hotel is being built.
Want to be more involved with the Broken Sidewalk community? We’re currently looking for a Calendar Editor to maintain a Google Calendar of events relating to the topics we cover here at Broken Sidewalk. There’s so much going on in Louisville, it’s hard to keep track of it all, but if related events are all in one, easy-to-access place, we could boost community involvement in events that matter.
If you’re interested in helping out, please send an e.mail to bs@brokensidewalk.com and tell us a little but about yourself! There are other ways to get involved as well, so if you’d like more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Buchanan Street from Franklin Street in 1983 (courtesy tipster)
Thanks to a tipster for sending in this great photo of road work on Buchanan Street looking south from Franklin Street taken in 1983. Not that much has changed besides the destruction of several shotgun houses (and a few trees) on the west side of the street. The Blind Pig is just down the street at the intersection with Washington Street.
What I want to know, however, is when did that crazy-wavy mural on the left-hand side disappear? I want it back.

Buchanan Street south from Franklin Street today (via Google)
I had the chance to spend a week studying Portland, OR last month and came away with a few observations on the city’s development, architecture, transportation, and culture. Like most approaching the city from a cycling point of view, I wondered if the bike mecca would live up to the hype surrounding it, but I also wanted to keep my eye out for areas of improvement.
There’s way too much to cover in a single article, but in the next week or so, I’ll be posting a series documenting Portland’s unique bike culture and sense of place along with observations on what makes it successful – or not.
Check out this video of Market Street in San Francisco in 1905, just before the city was destroyed by the famous 1906 earthquake set to a relaxing Air soundtrack. What’s really great about the footage, taken from the front of a streetcar, is that you can find just about every type of transportation available.
Pedestrians are everywhere, including elegantly dressed ladies, delivery men, and some children running in front of trolleys and cars. Horses and wagons, early cars, bikes, cable cars, and trolleys are also plentiful. Note as well how slow traffic moves on such a wide and busy thoroughfare. Pedestrians don’t cross at crosswalks or run for their lives across the middle of the street. Also interesting is how the street apparently functions in chaos without any real rules.

Boland Maloney Site last week (Photo courtesy tipster)
The old Boland Maloney Lumber Yard at 913 East Main Street is well on its way toward becoming a mini storage warehouse. Windows have been cut in a zig-zag pattern into the metal building and a fresh coat of orange and green paint has been applied. The project, named City Space, is being developed by Greg Williams, Mark Helm, and Eleanor Bingham.
Tilt-shift. Time-lapse. Boston. Enjoy.
[ Sketches of Boston Traffic by Patrick Johnson via Digital Urban. ]

New bike lane on 8th Street (Courtesy Bike Louisville)
Earlier this summer (in June to be exact), a new bike lane was installed on Eighth Street in Downtown Louisville. The lane stretches from Market Street to Broadway. As part of Louisville’s Complete Streets policy, bike lanes and sidewalks must be installed when a road is reconstructed – in this case repaved (unless certain conditions are met).
While cyclists should use caution when riding next to parked cars and watch for opening doors (and, more importantly, motorists should check for cyclists before opening their doors), the lane looks wide enough to feel comfortable. Anyone taken a ride on the lane this summer have a first-hand account?
Welcome to the new Broken Sidewalk! As with any major change, there may be a few bugs left to be worked out. Please don't hesitate to tell us if something is wrong. Read about the changes here.
Archives
Categories
Tags
We Support
Art & Culture
Blogroll
Local Interest
Local News
Regional Interest
National Interest