Westworld Alberta
Issue link: http://westworldmagazine.ama.ab.ca/i/365611
jeff topham f a l l 2 0 1 4 | w e s t w o r l d A l b e r t A 39 1 New York As one of the densest cities in the world, where the sidewalks are packed with bustling commut- ers, shops are open around the clock and you're rarely more than a few blocks away from groceries, live music or a slice of gooey pizza, the Big Apple tops the walkability charts. And it's getting even better. Start- ing in 2008, the city converted dozens of vehicle lanes, including parts of Broadway in Times Square, into colourful pedestrian plazas, which has caused pedes- trian and motorist injuries in the areas to plummet by more than 60 per cent. Lower speed limits city-wide and hundreds of soon-to-be-installed speed bumps aim to make the streets even safer for foot traffic. 2 San Francisco Despite its thigh-burning hills that make walking seem daunting, the City by the Bay comes in second – thanks in large part to its varied and extensive transit system, which includes the Muni Metro streetcar, BART rail and bus net- works. Some 34 per cent of the population com- mutes primarily by transit, and nearly everything, including the Silicon Valley's vast suburban job cen- tres, can be reached car-free. Which means that even long-distance commuters start and finish their day with a walk. With winter temperatures reaching an average low of just 7 C, it's no wonder that San Fran gives chilly Boston a run for its money. walkable cities North America's Most Walkable Cities by Christine McLaren The Walk Score index rates the walkability of communities in the U.S., Canada and Australia from zero, or "car-dependent," to 100 – a "walker's paradise." These five cities rank most foot-friendly in North America. Book today! Tour North America's most walkable cities at AMATravel.ca/Activities. Plus: members save at AMARewards.ca. New York walking tour with a personal photographer: While snapping and guiding you around NYC's landmarks, your photog offers tips on dining, shopping and entertainment. From US$100. Plus: Save $3 on adult admission to the Guggenheim, and 10% at the gift shop. Little Italy and North Beach walking tour, San Francisco: On this flavour- packed jaunt, you'll taste everything from fresh-baked bread to truffles. From $70. Plus: Save $3 on regular- price adult tickets for a San Francisco Bay Cruise. Pedestrians get some fresh air in Olympic Village, Vancouver – Canada's most walkable city