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Tags: Bridges / New York Travel / Architecture / Active Travel / Walking / → All Tags
New York State Welcomes The World's Longest Pedestrian Bridge
If you need somewhere to take in the sights of autumn this weekend, then you should consider New York’s newest state park. After rotting away for decades above the Hudson River, the Poughkeepsie Bridge has been reborn. Thanks to the time and deep pockets of local businesses, investors, and dedicated volunteers, the old railroad bridge that connects Poughkeepsie with Highland reopened earlier this month to traffic. The bridge has been transformed into a 1.25-mile pedestrian bridge—that’s two and a half miles roundtrip for the mathematically challenged.
The Walkway Over The Hudson is now the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, and it is certainly something for the Hudson Valley to get excited about. The walkway is totally free and visitors are encouraged to check out the view as it crosses the water about 200 feet in the air. Bicyclists, walkers, runners, and even the eight people that still rollerblade are welcome to take a trip across the Hudson. No need to worry about things being too crowded, the bridge is over 30 feet wide as it crosses the river, so you’ll have plenty of room to set up for some photo opportunities.
Tags: Walking / Walkable Cities / → All Tags
Kick Your Car to the Curb in Portland
We've gone on before about how great it is to travel to pedestrian-friendly cities. The simple act of leaving the car behind alleviates a huge source of stress, and you can go about your merry way without worrying about parking, fuel, and moving violations. Now USA Today goes and publishes a story about one of the best cities in the USA for those who prefer people power to all other methods of transport.
Portland is a breeze to get around on foot, on a bike, or via the city's extensive network of public transportation alternatives. Destinations like Powell's City of Books and the Ecotrust Building rub elbows against numerous cafes and breweries in the Pearl District. And for those who need a dose of nature, it takes just $1.75 and seven minutes on a MAX train to get to 130-acre Washington Park. That's a heck of a lot cheaper than a weekend rental from Avis.
But we feel compelled to leave you with one warning: don't hit the booze too hard if you're biking. There are still plenty of cars that can put the whomp on you if you wander out of your lane, and you just might take a spill on your own if you swerve to avoid the pink elephant crossing the street. Just trust us on that last one, mkay?
Related Stories:
· Portland is a Hub for the Car-Free [USA Today]
· Walkable Cities Create Hot Bodies [Jaunted]
[Photo: USA Today]
Tags: Walking / Walkable Cities / → All Tags
Walkable Cities Create Hot Bodies
In the latter part of the twentieth century, America became suburbanized, with car-based communities replacing urban areas as the desired places to live. Here, Victor Ozols explores a recent trend toward recapturing what we lost when the superhighways were built.
I've lived in New York a fairly long time now, but I still remember what it was like to come here as a visitor. I was always amazed at the amount of walking people did, and after a long day of sightseeing I'd collapse on my sister's futon to rest my weary legs. But no matter how tired I felt, I enjoyed being someplace where a car was completely unnecessary, and I vowed to live here one day. After all, I grew up in the suburbs, and didn't like always having to drive or get a ride from someone just to meet up with friends or go to a store.
