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The link is interesting. I even looked at the slide show to learn more about this shared streets business. You will note in the picture of "shared streets" at the beginning of the link that the kids are walking on a sidewalk, not down the middle of the road. The slide show says "shared streets" aren't all the same, and it gave just one example of these wernoofs or whatever they're called in the Netherlands. They do emphasize sidewalks, bike paths, paved shoulders for biking, narrow streets and wider streets, etc.
It only showed one "shared street" in the slideshow, which appeared to have two older adults walking in the middle of a sidewalkless residential street, which you called woonerf-like. Otherwise, it was referring to "complete streets" not "shared streets". Yes, it said there was no one solution, I thought their examples were interesting, too. However, they did criticize a large intersection that did have sidewalks (slide #23) and said 47% of older Americans feel unsafe crossing a major street near their home (slide #10). Most of the streets they did show positively weren't that wide, but not all, and nor were they suggesting that every road mustn't be wide.
Okay, I propose we officially name those commercial "power center" business streets with sidewalks on the far side of their parking lot that nobody uses "wernoofs"--an inverse woonerf!
It only showed one "shared street" in the slideshow, which appeared to have two older adults walking in the middle of a sidewalkless residential street, which you called woonerf-like. Otherwise, it was referring to "complete streets" not "shared streets". Yes, it said there was no one solution, I thought their examples were interesting, too. However, they did criticize a large intersection that did have sidewalks (slide #23) and said 47% of older Americans feel unsafe crossing a major street near their home (slide #10). Most of the streets they did show positively weren't that wide, but not all, and nor were they suggesting that every road mustn't be wide.
I can see that being a drainage problem. Part of the reason for curb and gutter is to direct storm runoff into storm drains. I suspect the low curbs are actually due to trhe street being repaved multiple times and the overlay filling the gutters. In heavy rain this could cause runoff to flow into doorways.
Complete Streets.
Many great ideas and safety is an important necessity, but really in the hands of some well-intentioned extremists - just Agenda 21 in disguise!
What I am seeing in many of these CS projects across America is money wasted. In the case of my city - bikes in traffic lanes (unprotected), bike path and sidewalks to nowhere because of the lack of connectivity.
Complete Streets.
Many great ideas and safety is an important necessity, but really in the hands of some well-intentioned extremists - just Agenda 21 in disguise!
What I am seeing in many of these CS projects across America is money wasted. In the case of my city - bikes in traffic lanes (unprotected), bike path and sidewalks to nowhere because of the lack of connectivity.
Coordination is critical on making it work. Intersection design in California is plagued with laziness. Usually bike lanes end right befor the intersection and pick back up after. Where I live, sidewalks are generally really complete save a few very rural feeling areas. But the towns near where I work have sidewalks to nowhere. Bike lanes that cross busy freeway crossings with nonstop signs or lights or anything to make you feel safer as a walker or biker. And those towns do not prioritize funding those improvements. Feasibly because that can't envision anyone actually using the facilities. (I have heard anecdotal evidence that confirms this).
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