We are often blind to our own environment because of our assumptions, framed by media, insular thinking and our own prejudices. Smart City Consulting's blog – named one of the most intriguing in the U.S. by Pew Partnership for Civic Change – hopes to show how Memphis really is and could be through alternative questions, fresh approaches and new ideas. We hope to open your eyes - and your ears - to a new way of thinking about Memphis. Send ideas and emails to tjones@smartcityconsulting.com.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Portland Proves the Point
Oregon was the only state in the nation where obesity did not increase, according to the study by Trust for America's Health. Why? An AP story reports that Oregonians are more likely to engage in physical activity, like bike riding. Why? Mild temperatures help. But the real difference is that state's attention to creating real urban density and pedestrian- and bike-friendly urban design. As one bike commuter put it, "I get 45 minutes exercise every day without even thinking about it." That's the point. Design physical activity into the environment so that we don't have to "exercise" but we do it without thinking.
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