Dear Pedestrian:

When we locked eyes this morning I knew it was going to be magic. You looked at me, made a quick mental calculation as to just how to most endanger yourself, and walked out exactly when I wouldn’t have. Much to my joy and amazement though you did not lounge across the street like many other J-walkers would have. Not you sir! You huffed and puffed and moved your impressive bulk with the speed and agility of a gazelle.

While I was both impressed that a gentleman of your size could move with such ballerina like precision, might I suggest that next time you simply wait an extra 30 seconds until I have passed before entering the street illegally from between two parked cars.

Yours in walking,
Boston Biker

Check out this article on Newbury Street becoming a pedestrian way during the weekends of July and August.  Mayor Menino is behind this, as are the stores who would love to see the increase of foot traffic and happy shoppers.  Look for expanded storefronts, possible street vendors, music and fashion shows, and good vibes all around.

One Newbury Street shopper had the complaint of :”Where are they going to park? That’s a big problem.”

Please, spare us.  When the choice is between a street that can be used safely and comfortably for the general public all the while increasing revinue (and space) for the stores, or used for leaving one’s oversized SUV tank next to the curb, I personally choose the pedestrian way.  Even if it means I have to get off my bike and walk down Newbury because there’ll be so many people.

This is a great idea, and I hope the city adopts more changes like this.  Here’s one: how about Comm Ave, from BU Bridge to Kenmore, closed to through traffic – which can be diverted through the top part of Brookline, down Park Drive, and channelled out to Beacon Street.  Imagine, students crossing with peace, biking, skateboarding, four-squaring, and socializing in the middle of their own campus?  How could that ever possibly be?!  How radical a thought?!

Or we could just leave that public space for people to park their cars.   I suppose it’s a toss up.