Observations of an Imperfect Citizen in Imperfect Cities

I don't have all the answers... even though my boyfriend will say that I act like I do. I don't have foolproof plans for solving the world's problems. But I do notice things. And I do think about change. And maybe that's a perfect place to begin.

Much of my observations occur on my commutes through the city-- to school, to work, and home again. Sometimes I'm a driver in a car-- a cushy place to be in a city. But often I'm a pedestrian, and a patron of public transit. It's during these latter modes of transportation that I notice the most. As evident in every discussion/reading so far, cities were largely designed for cars. So, as an operator of a car, there's little to gripe about. But as a pedestrian/public transit user, there's big room for change. Here are a couple of ideas I've thought about:

-Bigger sidewalks! Let's make room for people of varying speeds. Let's make room for people to walk side by side and converse, rather than opting for the stoic, sterile single-file style.
-More benches at bus stops! I think a huge factor of reluctance toward public transit is the decreased comfort level. People aren't too keen on standing up for 15+ minutes while waiting for the bus. Benches are nice. They allow for reading. Reading makes the time go by quicker.
-More shelters at bus stops! Along the same line as above, people are hesitant to wait outdoors in scorching heat and torrential downpours for their bus, if they could skip the inclement weather altogether by taking their car.
-More crosswalks! It's scary (and illegal) to jay-walk. But in trying to make up for lost time when walking rather than driving, pedestrians often opt to cross where they are, rather than walk farther to an intersection. More cross walks on busy streets would be lovely.
-More street art! Let's give the folks something to look at, something to draw them onto the sidewalks.
-More street lamps! I'm not a big fan of walking on dark streets, and I seriously doubt many others are either.

Okay, now onto some things I've observed in cities/loved. Pardon the fact that I'm in many of these photos. Feel free to cover me up with your hand and just focus on what's behind me instead.

This fountain is surrounded by courtyard space. It's a lovely spot to sit at an socialize. There are also stone steps across the fountain itself that encourage lots of jumping and playing. There's something undeniably beautiful about running water. It (in addition to the greenery) provide a refreshing solace from the stresses of the day.
(Newport Beach, California)

The buildings on this skyline are iconic and captivating, without being overcrowded. They don't obscure the trees or the sunset too much.
(Georgetown, Washington D.C) 

I liked these unique sidewalks! I'm not sure the durability/bike friendliness of the brick/cobblestone, but they were so much more interesting and inviting than solid cement.
(Georgetown, Washington D.C)

I loved this wall along the sidewalk. Not only is it an artistic element, it's also a greenery element. It adds so much personality to this neighborhood.
(Georgetown, Washington D.C)

These lilac bushes were on the side of an otherwise industrial, boring street. They provided a much needed softness to the harsh boulevard.
(Salt Lake City, Utah)

Georgetown has a lot of beautiful architecture and inviting street edges. I also like their incorporation of garden bed dividers within their streets.
(Georgetown, Washington D.C.)

Not only does this kayak spot/freeway ramp provide multi-uses in one spot, it provides beauty too! Freeways are so stark, ominous, and unfriendly. The lily pads and all the marine life living beneath them add an unexpected whimsy to the drudgery of concrete.
(Seattle, Washington)

This mural on the side of a business offers some serious interest to pedestrians! The bright colors and natural subject material give relief from monotonous scapes.
(Salt Lake City, Utah)

Here's an excellent place for pedestrians to walk in peace! No cars allowed! (I'm a little biased since I work here, but disregard that.)
(Salt Lake City, Utah)

This iconic street is varied, inviting, and unique. It beckons to the passerby, not to mention providing many local goods within.
(Seattle, Washington) 

Here's an excellent example of regional materials being used. Regional materials provide partakers with a sense of identity, history, and accountability for the resources they're using. Also, notice the sighting of endemic wildlife that flourishes in this refuge! (Again, I work here, and will never stop talking up Red Butte Garden)
(Salt Lake City, Utah)

This silly lobster (and the countless other sidewalk attractions) gives pedestrians a reason to slow down and survey the city from a new vantage point. Also, this shop had the best damn ice cream I've ever tasted.
(Bar Harbor, Maine)

This boardwalk allows visitors to enjoy the local bog landscape, without smooshing it with their feet. The boardwalk also features frequent plaques with information teaching visitors about the biota residing here.
(Bangor, Maine)

Benches are good for resting and playing! Shout out to my niece and brother-in-law for modeling!
(Salt Lake City, Utah)

This street art encourages people to visit the park, interact with the space, and laugh a little bit. It makes this place a "must-see" destination, rather than a forgettable common area.
(Boston, Massachusetts) 

These streets in Little Italy were some of the most varied and enticing I've experienced! The storefront façades were scaled to human proportions, the scant parking encourages walking, and the diversity of building materials keeps it interesting. (Not to mention the fabulous aromas of garlic bread, pizza, and canoli.)
(Boston, Massachusetts)

This walkway is open only to pedestrians, as are the others which careen off of it onto the beach front and the adjacent park. It allows for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the vistas, without gumming it up with traffic.
(Laguna Niguel, California)

Rather than being demolished for its small size and aging amenities, this little nook was turned into an excellent, captivating coffee shop. It's one of a kind, and adds so much character to this street corner.
(Seattle, Washington)

Well, there are my observations. I'm an imperfect citizen, and I visit imperfect cities. Perhaps with time, I can improve upon both of these shortcomings.