“A city whose streets invite people to walk, bike, and sit along them also inspires people to innovate, invest, and stay for good”
– from Streetfight: Handbook for an Urban Revolution,
by Janette Sadik-Khan and Seth Solomonow

I was recently asked to comment on what Hartford’s been doing when it comes to safer street design, and while we have a ways to go, it was nice to brag a little. Because we have policy in place, we don’t have to suffer through nonsensical public meetings every time there’s an urge to make small steps forward. That’s what signs and painted bike lanes are — small steps.

A safer and more welcoming environment is one that attracts people and persuades them to return. Why would someone opt to live in a town where it’s routinely inconvenient — if not dangerous — to travel anywhere by means besides a private automobile? More people are asking themselves this as they choose where to live; it’s also worth bragging a little that Hartford is not a place with backwards zoning regulations. All those “this kind of housing is illegal in the U.S.” memes? We have that housing stock in Hartford.

Climate Possibilities is a series about climate mitigation, along with resilience, resistance, and restoration. It’s about human habitat preservation. It’s about loving nature and planet Earth, and demanding the kind of change that gives future generations the opportunity for vibrant lives. Doomers will be eaten alive, figuratively. All photographs are taken in Hartford, Connecticut unless stated otherwise.