Monday January 13 UVA School of Architecture students and faculty walk where angels fear to tread,
a five mile trek north from the Ivy Road “Seminole Trail” intersection to the Rivanna River.
The pedestrian infrastructure along Route 29 is 99.9% installed.
Where then are the pedestrians?
During the two hour walk the folk from UVA encountered a handful of indigenous bipeds.
The majority were runners wrapped in spandex, plugged into hydration equipment.
Several were seated at CAT bus-stops, visual and aural hooked to cell phones and iPods.
The event was covered by the Daily Progress and Channel 29, from automobiles.
The throng makes its way north at 2.5 mph. While US 29 might appear visually interesting at 45 mph, at walking speed its lack of amenities is notable, there is nothing to see or do other than preserve one’s physical safety.
The strip is a visual wasteland.
One constant along the way were the looks of disbelief that the group of pedestrians received from the rubber tire populace.
Even the newest development along “Main Street” offers slight comfort to bipeds.
This store featured an inviting, human scale facade.
Sunday, January 19, students will present their proposals at the Carver Rec Center, 605 E. Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Charlottesville Tomorrow covers the winners
Color photos of the Route 29 trek by Sanjay Suchak
Charlottesville Tomorrow coverage