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This would better than Pica y Placa in Santa Marta

STEPPING off the footpath in the centre of Sydney can be a perilous exercise. Even in a city usually choked with traffic, cars still manage to tear past. The alternative - waiting at a major intersection up to three minutes for traffic lights to change - is ignored by 70 per cent of pedestrians.

Now, the City of Sydney wants to take control of several main arteries through the central business district, rip out the traffic lights, strip the streets of safety signs, impose a speed limit of 10 kmh and give pedestrians the right of way.

The proposal for "naked streets" - the term used in European cities where streetscapes devoid of lights and signs are common - is designed to discourage driving in the CBD, without imposing financial disincentives, such as the congestion charge that is levied on motorists entering the centre of London during the day.

"We need to reclaim the city from the dominance of the car," said Councillor John McInerney, who chairs the council's traffic and transport committee. "The roads are public spaces that should accommodate pedestrians, cyclists as well."

By mikeinpuerto on May 14, 2009, 07:32 in Friendly Talkzone.

durito2 says on May 14, 2009, 07:41:

Good luck getting Colombians to go 10kmh and to give pedestrians the right of way.

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mikeinpuerto says on May 14, 2009, 07:46:

very true .......but with the number of transito police here .. they could police it very easily ...

Smile and everyone will wonder what they are missing.

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mikeinpuerto says on May 14, 2009, 07:47:

they are doing a huge amount of work in the center at the moment ...Yesterday I was walking all over the place ......it will be good when it is finished .....

Smile and everyone will wonder what they are missing.

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quantum says on May 14, 2009, 09:20:

They must be doing something in Santa Marta cuz when I was there recently, I was impressed by how MOST every driver slowed down at least in the center to allow u to pass. They seemed to exercise much more courtesy and precaution than what we typically see here in Panama, where its just a total barbaric out of control free for all.........but I didnt notice that same care and courtesy in Cartagena.....

quantum

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nueva york bombero says on May 14, 2009, 12:34:

Cartagena and Santa Marta are two totally different worlds with respect to driving.
They'll run your ass over and not even blink in Cartagena!
Those cab drivers will use your mom as a speed bump!

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onthemoon says on May 14, 2009, 19:43:

Almost got robbed for a bag vendor, he got his hand inside the car and tried to take my cellphone, he run away when i insulted him, thnak god nothing happened..be careful.

Love Happens...

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quantum says on May 14, 2009, 22:07:

Onthemoon........keep a little canister of pepper spray for special occasions like that. Right by the gear shift ready to go......

quantum

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