The average human walking speed is about 3.1 mph. Downtown Cleveland measures 3.2 square miles. I’m no mathematician, but those numbers suggest that the centerpiece of our city is a very walkable neighborhood. And yet a casual glance at the sidewalks of downtown reveals that few people actually take advantage of such an amenity.
After 22 years in New York, I had become quite accustomed to living in a city without a car and getting around on public transport, bicycle or foot. When I started scouting locations for a place to live, I got around on foot and was blown away by how beautiful my hometown had become. As Bill Cunningham, a beloved late street-style photographer for The New York Times famously said: “He who seeks beauty will find it.” When you lose the car and take in the wonders of downtown, there’s so much beauty.
Credit for bringing downtown’s walkability to the forefront of this issue of Downtown Now! goes to Joe Marinucci, CEO of Downtown Cleveland Alliance. It was he who broached the subject at our last story pitch meeting.
“The ability to get to just about anywhere on foot is one of Downtown Cleveland’s greatest assets,” says Marinucci. “As one of Northeast Ohio’s most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods, Downtown Cleveland is where young professionals want to work, making it an attractive place for companies to acquire talented employees who are interested in conveniently exploring downtown’s amenities.”
Walking. It’s the ultimate way to take in the city and all it has to offer. It’s better for our health, wallets, environment, street-level retail and Downtown Cleveland.
But don’t take my word for it. This issue’s stories are about Downtown Cleveland’s walkability from different points of view.
I hope you enjoy them!
