THREE PRINCIPLES 1. Safety First! Remember that safety should be the first priority with any project involving changes to a public right of way. All of the project types outlined in this guide have been included because they enhance street safety. Thus, the last thing anyone would want would be for someone to be hurt implementing or enjoying the project. Complex, sanctioned Tactical Urbanism projects will require advice and implementation guidance from a licensed engineering, planning, and /or achitecture professional, and may need to be designed to comply with Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and/or FHWA guidance. Moreover, simple liability waivers may be required for volunteer participation. That said, as far as we know, nobody has been hurt while installing or using a Tactical Urbanism project and we would all like to keep it that way!
2. Curves Ahead. Tactical Urbanism projects involve change: change to
physical design of our streets, change in opinion about how streets can be used, and / or change in the way people and organizations work together. Change takes time! Project development and materials selection will likely involve some level of trial and error before you arrive at the optimal design for your project’s unique context. Embrace the windy road — it typically leads to a more durable and effective longterm capital project!
3. Don’t stop innovating. The absence of formalized design guidelines has contributed to a high level of innovation around materials for Tactical Urbanism projects, making use of local materials and/or existing contracting relationships. This chapter is intended to share innovative ideas, not stifle them. If you have additional ideas for materials that are more appropriate to your local context and/or easier to source, use them (and, if you want to share your ideas with others, contact us at: info@streetplans.org).
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