Working in the Hopewell Centre in Wanchai, I have to make my way up and down Spring Garden lane every day, along with the many other pedestrians who are winding their way amongst the cars and vans that also use that small lane, and I’ve often thought that there must be a better way.. why do several hundred people have to be pushed to the side of the road so that maybe ten people in cars can get through…?

How much trouble does it really cause if the lane was closed to motorised traffic at least during rush hours so that the people who live and work in wanchai can actually use the space in a much more productive manner than as it is mostly used now.. a temporary car park and exhaust fume collection space that is dangerous for pedestrians.

I was reminded of this dream when I can across this document about designing walkable urban thoroughfares, just released by a new urbanists group (CNU). One day the Hong Kong government have to move forward in their thinking and realise that motorised traffic is not helpful to creating safe spaces and communities for people to enjoy… I hope and dream that it’s sooner rather than later.