World Resources Institute
World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization working in 60 countries to create a world where the actions of government, business, and communities combine to eliminate poverty and sustain the natural environment for all people.
World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization working in 60 countries to create a world where the actions of government, business, and communities combine to eliminate poverty and sustain the natural environment for all people.
Their WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities programme coordinates improvements in urban areas worldwide with a relevant interest in Expanding Urban Transportation Choices in the Global South. A series of research papers have been published which examine how providing equitable access to core urban services and infrastructure can help achieve more economically productive and environmentally sustainable cities. They highlight three key action areas for cities to improve access: rethinking the role of streets and who they serve, shifting to integrated transport systems, and tempering the demand for private vehicle use.
In 2019 WRI published ‘The 8 Principles of Sidewalks – Building more active cities’ by Paula Manoela dos Santos, Lara Caccia, Ariadne Samios and Lívia Zoppas Ferreira. This guide provides municipal technicians and city planners with a practical approach and guidelines on how to design high-quality sidewalks – the essential walking infrastructure.
It was originally written in Portuguese for a Brazilian audience and later translated to English. Now, cities around the world can adapt and apply the guidelines considering their needs and local context. Its a really practical guide and will hopefully significantly help improve infrastructure and mobility for pedestrians by turning sidewalks into more attractive spaces.
Claudia Adriazola- Steil is the Director of Health and Road Safety at the World Resources Institute and Walk21 is delighted that Claudia sits on Walk21’s Advisory Council.