The City of Philadelphia: A Prime Example of Urban Organization

I recently explored the heart of the city on foot. It was a pleasant surprise to find no construction “sidewalk bridges” casting shadows over whole blocks.

There were no disruptive bike lanes causing traffic chaos, or street vendors selling junk merchandise on every corner.

It felt like a return to the New York City of years past when common sense prevailed on the streets.

No, I wasn’t dreaming – this city was Philadelphia.

Just 95 miles from New York City, Philadelphia’s organized and pedestrian-friendly layout serves as a reminder of how misguided priorities have impacted our beloved city.

Walking through orderly streets of Philadelphia, it dawned on me how much we’ve come to accept the dismal conditions of New York City’s sidewalks and streets.

Most of these issues are self-inflicted by our own leaders. Take, for example, New York’s unsightly “sidewalk bridges” that serve as tunnels.

Philadelphia’s downtown district between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers thrives without the need for such eyesores.

Philadelphia’s nearly absent bike lanes harken back to a time when streets were for vehicles and sidewalks for pedestrians.

Philadephia’s sidewalks were free of unlicensed vendors, providing a refreshing contrast to New York City’s crowded and chaotic streets.

Disheveled streets and sidewalks are a reflection of societal expectations. When a city fails to address these issues, it calls into question its ability to tackle larger challenges.

As I stepped off the train back in New York City, greeted by the familiar sight of scaffolds, bustling bikers, and street vendors, I couldn’t help but feel a longing for the orderly streets of Philadelphia.