i'm really curious what you mean by living streets/ shared spaces? Public spaces occupied by non-profits or government sanctioned, public goods? Parks? I think I may be interested in your results.

I'd like to know what you come up with. And is local economics related to the ability of residents in a region to communicate and transport themselves?

I like the idea of car free zones. I grew up in Kalamazoo Mi, the home of the first outdoor pedestrian mall, from what I've heard. As a young child a enjoyed the increased freedom to roam and play on the grassy areas or the swingset, a freedom only allowed to the very young when cars are removed from the picture.

Because people had to leave their cars a block or more away and walk to the stores, they were moving at a pace that alowed them to interect with each other, strengthing community and understanding. Even with your slow-moving car idea people are still moving too quickly and are too isolated from one another to relate with each other. Sadly the car-free mall, which covered several blocks, has been opened to cars (all but 2 blocks) in the hopes of bringing in more business. From what I hear it has not really improved business much, if at all.

A good way to help slow down traffic is to narrow the street at intersections, or even in the middle of the block. The town of Windsor, CA, which was designed with a community center including a park, uses beautifuly lanscaped areas that squeeze the street at the crosswalks.

Eugene, OR has a good bike path, on a street near the University of Oregon, where there is a physical barrier between the car lane and bike lane. It is low and broken, so pedestrians and bikers can get around it easily enough, but it prevents cars from entering. Infact the road is only one-way to cars and two ways for bikes (a path on each side of the street) which sends a positive message about transportation priorities.

I look forward to hearing more about your plan and its implementation!