Sidewalk Nation
About this episode
The episode discusses the legal complexities and societal importance of sidewalks in the U.S. with guest Michael Pollack.
In most parts of the United States and elsewhere, sidewalks exist in a legal grey area. They are public spaces that, at least when it comes to things such as maintenance and snow removal, are largely the responsibility of private property owners. They are subject to all manner of laws that govern what kinds of activities can take place on them, laws that change not just from city to city, but sometimes from neighborhood to neighborhood, block to block, and address to address. They are also an important part of the transportation network and a key component in the effort to keep pedestrians safe, although certainly not a panacea, even in rural areas. Michael Pollack , the author of an excellent new book, Sidewalk Nation: The Life and Law of America's Most Overlooked Resource , thinks that sidewalks need a whole lot more consideration in legal and governing circles, and even goes so far as to advocate for the creation of a Department of Sidewalks that can cut through the rather opaque rules that govern these narrow strips of concrete. (Or other materials, given that many sidwalks are often governmed by historic preservation laws.) ***For an extended, ad-free version of this episode…
More episodes of The War on Cars
- Final Dispatches from Book Tour
- PREVIEW: Urban Planning Pop with Pondless
- Rethinking Criminal Consequences for Drivers Who Kill
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The War on Cars podcast page.