Elmer's Twomile Blog

We are “very walkable,” according to WalkScore.com. (I used Safeway’s address, since that’s kind of a nice, central spot in the area.)

90–100 Walker’s Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.
70–89 Very Walkable — Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50–69 Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.
25–49 Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.
0–24 Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

I like reading surface-level stuff about urban design, but in truth I don’t know a ton about it at the moment. What I do know is that I chose to live where I live largely because it’s the right combination of affordable and accessible.

Accessible to what? Well, for the full methodology, here’s a big ol’ PDF whitepaper.

But here’s a leeeettle preview of it, which should be enough for you to impress your buds at the bar later: (more…)

In the spirit of tossing everything on here that I find, here’s a letter to the editor that ran in the Camera, suggesting a library book drop-off at 28th and Iris.

Install book return receptacles

In response to the recent article detailing how the Boulder City Council recognizes the need for a north Boulder branch of the public library system, but does not foresee having the money to build one, I would like to pose a suggestion for the interim.

All of the north Boulder residents have to venture at least halfway across town to return their library books. For the most part (meaning, yes, some people will walk, cycle or bus, but the majority don’t) this increases traffic congestion and carbon emissions. We all would like to reduce pollution and traffic, including the city of Boulder.

I ask that the city place a library book return receptacle in north Boulder, perhaps similar to the one in the Canyon Boulevard library parking lot, so we can have a local spot to return our books. A single library vehicle, preferably an electric one, could make a daily round to empty the receptacle.

I would also suggest possible receptacle locations at the intersection of 28th Street and Iris Avenue, in the Diagonal Plaza, where the Department of Motor Vehicles is located, or the Safeway parking lot, or in the Willow Springs Shopping Center. All are easily accessible by bike/pedestrian paths, bus stop or car.

Eventually, additional receptacles could be installed in other under-served locations throughout Boulder to help decentralize public access. This would be a low-cost way to begin mitigating this situation in the meantime, while providing a very welcome service to expanding Boulder and her residents.

SUZANNE REAL
Boulder

The whole sky looked like a painting.

Remember that 90-minute barrage nature hit us with on Monday? Afterward, we ventured out to Safeway. On the way, we looked up and saw some pretty great clouds. Click the photo to see it larger.