Metro Jacksonville

Urban Thinking => Analysis => Topic started by: Metro Jacksonville on August 11, 2015, 03:00:02 AM

Title: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Metro Jacksonville on August 11, 2015, 03:00:02 AM
A guide to making Jax a more active city

(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/4266300704_wNhQG6x-800x1000.jpg)

Our bodies are designed to move. Our cities should be too. Designed to Move: Active Cities reflects the insights and contributions of over 80 individuals and organizations from around the world. This recently published document by NIKE, Inc. outlines why and how cities like Jacksonville can incorporate healthy physical activity into community design.

Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2015-aug-a-guide-to-making-jax-a-more-active-city
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Gunnar on August 11, 2015, 06:08:20 AM
I'm all for making cities more walkable / bikeable.

However, the suggestions seem to go beyond this ("creating a legacy of physical activity", group exercises) and this always makes me think of a "group" that had a similar focus from 1939-45.

Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: hiddentrack on August 11, 2015, 09:53:04 AM
Quote from: Gunnar on August 11, 2015, 06:08:20 AM
I'm all for making cities more walkable / bikeable.

However, the suggestions seem to go beyond this ("creating a legacy of physical activity", group exercises) and this always makes me think of a "group" that had a similar focus from 1939-45.

Can't say I was expecting a comment like that so early in this thread. Did you read any of the examples of cities creating a legacy of physical activity? It talked about requiring sidewalks and open spaces in new developments, installing additional parking for bicycles and protected bike lanes, having parks within 15 minutes by foot, bicycle share programs, etc. There's nothing in any of the examples they provided or in the "10 Quick Wins" that are objectionable in any way. Building cities that encourage people to be active, and possibly have them be active as a group, is not a road leading to disastrous consequences.
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Ocklawaha on August 11, 2015, 11:37:27 AM
Oh shit! That photo hurts like hell WITHOUT me moving!
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Gunnar on August 11, 2015, 12:32:43 PM
Quote from: hiddentrack on August 11, 2015, 09:53:04 AM
Quote from: Gunnar on August 11, 2015, 06:08:20 AM
I'm all for making cities more walkable / bikeable.

However, the suggestions seem to go beyond this ("creating a legacy of physical activity", group exercises) and this always makes me think of a "group" that had a similar focus from 1939-45.

Can't say I was expecting a comment like that so early in this thread. Did you read any of the examples of cities creating a legacy of physical activity? It talked about requiring sidewalks and open spaces in new developments, installing additional parking for bicycles and protected bike lanes, having parks within 15 minutes by foot, bicycle share programs, etc. There's nothing in any of the examples they provided or in the "10 Quick Wins" that are objectionable in any way. Building cities that encourage people to be active, and possibly have them be active as a group, is not a road leading to disastrous consequences.

As I said, I have no issue whatsoever with sidewalks, bike paths, open spaces or basketball courts. I also have nothing against helping people move their behinds and at least get a minimum of exercise. Plus, when walking you see places quite differently than when you drive past them in a car.

It's just that seeing pictures of group sports activity and talk of being a better person through sports / exercise gives me the shivers.
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: vicupstate on August 11, 2015, 12:40:23 PM
QuoteIt's just that seeing pictures of group sports activity and talk of being a better person through sports / exercise gives me the shivers.

Seriously?  A yoga class gives you shivers?
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: simms3 on August 11, 2015, 02:09:53 PM
Some weird people on here.
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Gunnar on August 11, 2015, 04:48:07 PM
Whatever...
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Adam White on August 11, 2015, 04:59:26 PM
Quote from: Gunnar on August 11, 2015, 06:08:20 AM
I'm all for making cities more walkable / bikeable.

However, the suggestions seem to go beyond this ("creating a legacy of physical activity", group exercises) and this always makes me think of a "group" that had a similar focus from 1939-45.

That's quite a jump, there.
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Ocklawaha on August 11, 2015, 08:50:03 PM
Quote from: vicupstate on August 11, 2015, 12:40:23 PM
QuoteIt's just that seeing pictures of group sports activity and talk of being a better person through sports / exercise gives me the shivers.

Seriously?  A yoga class gives you shivers?

Yeah, after a triple spinal fusion it sure as hell does!
Title: Re: A guide to making Jax a more active city
Post by: Gunnar on August 12, 2015, 05:11:09 AM
Quote from: vicupstate on August 11, 2015, 12:40:23 PM
QuoteIt's just that seeing pictures of group sports activity and talk of being a better person through sports / exercise gives me the shivers.

Seriously?  A yoga class gives you shivers?

Not, not really. The thought of walking into dt and everyone doing yoga does.
The thing that bugs me are the belief that physical activity alone will make people better people and a city a better place.

I am leery of people who seem to be on a mission (everyone join the group and we'll all be better for it).

Again, no issue with making a city more walkable / bikeable and offering people the opportunity to be active, but the guide - at least to me - goes beyond that.