I’ve heard a bit about permanently pedestrianizing Wellington City over the last few weeks. My first thought was: that seems to be an interesting take on my carless day idea, which I proposed here many months ago. My second thought was: weren’t these people around last month?
   This was an October which was the coldest on record for some 60 years. The winter just passed was hardly a delight. It was cold, while the winter of 2008 was particularly wet.
   If the idea of pedestrianization had been brought up during these periods, I wonder if the reception would be quite as pleasant.
   The thought of being blown about outdoors in the middle of winter while trying to enjoy a coffee hardly appeals to Wellingtonians.
   I don’t think an overkill in the number of pedestrian areas shows off Wellington at its best.
   The proponents of permanent pedestrian areas around Wellington all talk at us about how lovely it would be with all the seats outside with our wonderful cafés. And yes, it would be rather lovely.
   Wellington must have a unique solution, even if the idea has its inspiration from overseas.
   Don’t get me wrong: I’m all for pedestrianizing parts of Wellington. I love the idea that we can walk around our city and enjoy it. I accept that there are places which can be permanently pedestrianized.
   Wellington is unbeatable on a great day, and those great days happen most during the summer—which is precisely why the carless day idea is the ideal means through which to trial pedestrianization.
   Let’s be sensible about it, and take it one step at a time. Let’s also consider keeping public transport flowing through some of these areas which, incidentally, many European cities such as Stockholm have done.
   If the first carless summer day in January 2011 under my mayoralty is successful, we can extend them through longer periods, say, during the Rugby World Cup in September–October 2011. But to go the whole hog without even suggesting a trial is a gamble, and Wellingtonians shouldn’t be betting on mayors and councils who gamble.
   Let’s get feedback from not just property owners but from the rest of us, rather than put such an issue before voters and demand they go one way or the other.
   The 2010 mayoral election is not about ‘Vote for me’ or even ‘Vote for this’. It is about ‘Vote for us,’ as technology, such as blogs like this, puts the power back in the hands of everyday Wellingtonians. We are the ones who decide our fate, not groups of élites or individuals.
   As always, I’m here to listen, because the last I looked, this is our city, where we all deserve a say. Your feedback is welcome, either below, via Twitter, via Facebook, or my personal website.

2011 · Business · carless day · Europe · future · Infrastructure · Jack Yan · mayor · pedestrian mall · pedestrianization · Rugby World Cup · transport · Wellington · Whanganui-a-Tara