Pedestrian Pace

The towns along the BRAG route always welcome us with open arms, but some do a better job than others. Different folks have different likes and dislikes, so I'll speak only of my own preferences, preferences fortunately shared with those I was riding with.

Douglas was our favorite overnight spot for a long list of reasons, but near the top of that list was the lively and walkable downtown.



This image was taken at "Douglas Beach". A band, concessions and of course, a great big pile of sand, turned a small parking lot off of the "Main" street into a beach party. I should have taken more pictures.

The trees, isolation from traffic (just beyond the trees in this photo), and human-scaled and bench-laden streetscape made this an excellent place to gather outdoors to enjoy music, food, and each other's company. At intersections, the rounded curbs were turned into brick planters and pedestrians were funnelled to the crosswalks. This turned a dangerous interface between cars and people into a more friendly and safe environment for both. The greenery at the intersection was pleasing at any speed.

The walk to downtown was along a path reclaimed from an abandoned rail corridor. Here we walked behind the commercial buildings, isolated from motor vehicular traffic. The birds liked it there as well.

In contrast, some towns "center of activity" was car-oriented. Lots of drive-throughs, no sidewalks, parking lots turning visible light into infra-red heat, and no place to gather or even sit outdoors. We got fed, but it was entirely indoors. We were fortunate that in one of those towns, waiting for the shuttle was in a shady spot in front of a motel that did understand the value of providing benches for people to congregate. I'm sure it was not co-incidental that this town's center of activity was an interstate exit. These merchants made their dollar from motorists.

I had posted some time ago about whether or not streets are for people or cars. I hope we can find more ways for merchants to cater to pedestrians instead of motorists.

The post referenced above is also interesting for its comparison of pedestrian spaces and college campuses. I kept thinking about that as we strolled around South Georgia College in Douglas, and Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. Indeed there are worlds where you can get around most nicely without motor vehicles.

Commute Summary

Round Trip Distance: 17.9
Number of Cyclists seen: 17
In-bound Route: Lullwater/PATH
Out-bound Route: Emory via Clifton
Weather: Not too hot for June