IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Mexico City’s Path to ‘Pedestrianization’

On the congested streets of Mexico City, a team of city planners and engineers hope to create a public space safe for pedestrian travel.

Like many Mexico City pedestrians, Thorsten Englert risked his safety each day on his commute. The walk from a metro station to a university was filled with danger. Street crossings were inadequate and narrow sidewalks were often blocked by vendors, forcing pedestrians to walk alongside busy roads.


But the German architect decided to do more than complain, Alex Romaniuc and Rachel Creane report for the Sustainable Cities Collective. Englert championed an ambitious plan to create a safe, walkable zone.

Englert has lived in Mexico City for ten years and teaches architecture and urban design at UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico). He collaborated with other designers on a blueprint for an unobstructed pedestrian passageway between the metro station and the university campus.

The project’s creators were careful to engage with the public, government officials and investors early to solicit their ideas and win support, the article says. The plan emphasizes public space, room for vendors and fresh air achieved through reduced traffic. The zone, which is being implemented in phases, also features a community center and pedestrian bridge. If successful, an estimated 100,000 pedestrians would enjoy a much safer stroll, the article says.


Read the full story here.


This article originally appeared on Citiscope. Citiscope is a nonprofit news outlet that covers innovations in cities around the world. More at Citiscope.org.