English Language VI
Debate 8: Urban Space Distribution
Members:
A:
ST-LVIA-G8-1
ST-LVIA-G8-2
ST-LVIA-G8-3
ST-LVIA-G8-4
Discussion Leader:
DL-LVI-G8-1
· ST-LVIA-G8-2
Hi everyone! I’m ST-LVIA-G8-2 and I’m a third-year student of English Studies at Universitat de València. As the topic hasn’t been introduced yet, I decided to start this discussion by exposing some of my ideas and asking you some questions. This way, I hope we create a debate where every one of us feels comfortable to participate in.
I believe urban space distribution is quite an important element to keep in mind when talking about the quality of a concrete city. A good organization of our city would make our lives as citizens easier or, on the contrary, tougher. Well-organised roads, suitable spaces for pedestrians and bicycles and so on are examples of what a city needs in order to maintain itself organized and avoid accidents or unnecessary arguments.
I suggest you these four questions to start our discussion:
-Which facilities do you believe the city you live in lacks?
-Do you think that your own cities should be organised in a different way? Which things would you change?
-Traffic jams produce high levels of stress in citizens and paralyze the common rhythm of the city. Which solutions would you suggest in order solve this problem?
-What can we as citizens of the same space do in order to improve the distribution of our city?
Thanks in advance for joining this topic! I’m looking forward to reading your answers.
· ST-LVIA-G8-1
Hi! My name is Laura ST-LVIA-G8-1 and I am a third-year student of English Studies at Universitat de València. First of all I would like to say, as ST-LVIA-G8-2 pointed out, that the distribution of urban space is really important because it simplifies the lives of the citizens, making it easier. Its role is very important in the proper functioning of the city since the correct organisation of space can speed up everyday processes in people’s lives.
I think there should be a division when talking about urban space distribution. On the one hand, I would introduce all the elements that make people’s lives easier, such as the creation of a public parking lot close to a stadium to facilitate football fans the possibility to park there. On the other hand, those elements that have been created to protect the lives of the citizens, such as the replacement of poor condition pavement, or the installation of a traffic light in a conflictive zebra crossing.
I would like to raise two question regarding the division I propose:
-Do you agree with this division?
-Do you think there is another possible division?
-Which of the 2 divisions do you think is the one that authorities care more about?
As a final question I include one which has to do with the topic in general:
-How can this important element (urban space distribution) influence people’s live (for better or worst)?
Thank you in advance! I hope we enjoy a good debate and get to know a lot about this interesting topic
· ST-LVIA-G8-3
Good morning! My name is ST-LVIA-G8-3, and I am as well a third-grade student of English Studies in the Universtat de València.
I think we all agree that the distribution of the urban space is a crucial issue. Not only it affects people’s lives, but also business and economy. For example, proper facilities could ease transport of goods or even public transport. With regards to the division ST-LVIA-G8-1 proposed, I do not agree necessarily. It is true, in my point of view, that it is convenient a difference between remodelling because of «leisure» and remodelling because of necessity (referring to the examples provided). I consider that those changes in for example the pavement are really imperative, but I do not see the requirement of separating the two. I consider every remodelling work unavoidable.
To answer ST-LVIA-G8-2’s question («Which facilities do you believe the city you live in lacks?»), I think that in our city, there is a dearth of bicycle paths. It can be very risky for cyclists, as well as for pedestrians.
My questions regarding the topic are:
– Which changes do you think are imperative?
– Are urban spaces comfortable and secure for pedestrians?
Thank you.
· ST-LVIA-G8-4
Good morning! My name is ST-LVIA-G8-4 and I am also a third-year student of English Studies at Universitat de València. To start with, I would like to reaffirm, as ST-LVIA-G8-3 pointed out, that we all agree when saying that an organized and practical urban space facilitates people’s daily life. Referring to the question introduced by ST-LVIA-G8-2 (Do you think that your own city should be organised in a different way? Which things would you change?), I would like to say that I personally believe that cities should be organized depending on what fits best for them, for instance, coastal cities could take advantage of that appealing source in order to promote tourism or business. Nevertheless, I consider that we cannot only take into account the individual benefits, but also a set of pertinent rules to improve coexistence.
Although our topic is urban space distribution I would like to open the debate even more and propose a comparison between urban spaces and rural areas.
-If you could choose, which one would be the ideal space for you to settle down in?
-Do you think there are advantages and disadvantages in both cases? If there are any, comment which ones you can find out.
-What would be the reason why people relate rural areas with the concepts of instability and family? Are rural areas exclusive to this kind of citizens or opposed to that it is a myth?
Thanks for sharing all those interesting and reflexive views! I hope we can continue developing this debate and learning from each other’s ideas.
· ST-LVIA-G8-1
+ ST-LVIA-G8-3
Good morning!
Regarding the division I proposed in the previous post, I would like to add, that even though I respect ST-LVIA-G8-3’s opinion, I still believe that this division is important. It’s existence has nothing to do with a whim but with a functional way of distinguishing the priorities. Its aim is to give focus on those changes or facilities that need to be repaired or created to make sure that the citizen’s lives are not in danger any more, as in the example of the installation of a traffic light in a conflictive zebra crossing where some accidents involving peasant’s death have taken place. The other side of the coin comprises those other changes and elements that even though they might improve people’s routines, its absence or presence does not interfere in people’s existence. The idea is to put the first group at the top of the list regarding the government’s distribution of money for the conditioning of cities.
Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas!
· ST-LVIA-G8-2
+ ST-LVIA-G8-1 + ST-LVIA-G8-4 + ST-LVIA-G8-3 Hi again! As all of you have raised really interesting questions, I’ll try to answer to most of them in order to continue with our debate.
I’d like to start by exposing my point of view on the most discussed question of this debate: the division between changes which have to do with the safety of citizens and those related with other aspects. I believe that one of the main problems of our administration corporations is a strong lack of organization. This is the reason why this division suggested by ST-LVIA-G8-1 should be taken into account. From my point of view, all decisions to take should be divided in a more specialized way in order to ensure an active, efficient and dynamic functioning of our city distribution.
As a response to ST-LVIA-G8-3’s questions, I want to highlight the importance that we should give to all those changes which guarantee the complete security of all members of our society. In relation to the point I just exposed and ST-LVIA-G8-3’s second question, I believe that urban spaces are gradually becoming more secure for pedestrians (in Valencia’s case) thanks to the importance that the administrative heads of our city are giving to creating new spaces for pedestrians and bicycles.
Finally, I wanted to answer ST-LVIA-G8-4’s questions by adding that the convenience of a rural area rather than an urban one and vice versa depends on the lifestyle of its inhabitants. In my personal case, as a young adult, I prefer to live in an urban space, as I believe it is easier to find more facilities there and I feel I’ll have more opportunities regarding working life in a city. However, I’m sure that when I retire I’d like to move in a rural area as a way of evading myself from all the stress of urban spaces and living the rest of my life as relaxed as possible.
I’m so glad to answer to all your questions. I feel we are such an active conversation group. I invite you to continue giving such interesting ideas!
· ST-LVIA-G8-1
+ ST-LVIA-G8-2 Hi again! I find one of the questions raised by ST-LVIA-G8-2 particularly interesting and that is why I am going to try to answer it by providing my point of view. The question proposed by ST-LVIA-G8-2 is the following: Traffic jams produce high levels of stress in citizens and paralyze the common rhythm of the city. Which solution would you suggest in order to solve this problem?
First of all I would like to say that traffic jams are one of the greatest problems that take place in a city since they collapse the circulation of vehicles, and as ST-LVIA-G8-2 points out, it causes stress in citizens. It is also important to have in mind that as a consequence of the massive use of cars which provoke such traffic jams, pollution takes places and greatly affects the environment.
A possible solution is the one that politicians of Paris took. They established a timetable with a very simple mechanism; on even days those who have cars with even license plates can drive, and just the other way round in uneven days. In this way, the number of vehicles will be considerably reduced so traffic jams won’t take place.
Another way of fighting traffic jams would be to improve public transports by creating more complete timetables and routes together with a good advertising campaign to promote its use. Together with public transports, the use of bicycles can also support this project. Its use can be presented as part of a healthy lifestyle.
· ST-LVIA-G8-4
Hello! It’s me again. Having now an overview of all your opinions, I am going to add some comments about the topic itself and the possibilities it offers.
After ST-LVIA-G8-2’s explanation on ST-LVIA-G8-1’s view I see the point about the division between changes, which have an immediate effect on people’s life, much clear. It is undeniable that the more green sources we introduce in urban spaces, the less levels of stress and pollution our planet and us, as a citizens, will suffer from. Hence, ST-LVIA-G8-1 has exposed a wide range of solutions for the issue of traffic jams such as public transports. I share her ideas and, as a way of supporting them, I would like to include the following information:
Recently, in Valencia some changes in terms of parking lot have been built. I am talking about the redistribution of the city center by reducing the amount of space on the roads for motorbikes, which has cause a crowding of them wherever you look at. As a consequence, there is less space for car drivers, fact that hinders the balance of the traffic itself and is incoherent if the aim in mind was to solve this problem. This measure can cease in traffic accidents and due to that, I personally believe that the effectiveness of this innovation is futile and a waste.
What are your thoughts about it? Do you find more evidence in Valencia such as the example I have given?
· ST-LVIA-G8-2
+ ST-LVIA-G8-4 Guess who’s back! Yes, it’s me again, coming at you to continue discussing this interesting topic. In this concrete comment I’d like to give my opinion on the point exposed by ST-LVIA-G8-4.
Nowadays, at least in Valencia, motorbikes play a relevant role as a quick, efficient and personal means of transportation. In fact, surveys show that a 25,78% of the Valencian inhabitants moved around the city by motorbike in 2014, and the number keeps increasing. It is true that this vehicle is generally small, a feature which turns it into the favourite means of transportation among young people. This is the reason why administrative heads are gradually taking motorbikes more into account. I find this initiative of creating more spaces for them to park on the street a good idea. The problem has to do with organization, as always. These parking lots should be created without eliminating the ones meant for cars. However, I also think that instead of worrying about parking spaces for motorbikes authorities should worry about their safety on the road. Motorcycles are, together with bicycles, the most vulnerable members on railways. Each year, lots of young people are wounded or even die in traffic accidents because of tragic reality.
What to you think? Can you think of any solution for this problem?
· ST-LVIA-G8-1
Hi! I find the topic ST-LVIA-G8-4 mentioned is pretty interesting and that is why I would like to give my opinion about it.
It is true that some new areas for parking motorbikes have been built, particularly in one of the most central streets, Colón. I agree with ST-LVIA-G8-2 when she points out the importance of the use of motorbikes in a city like Valencia. It is a manageable vehicle which allows citizens to move easily around the city. Together with this, its small size allows for parking it almost everywhere.
However, the creation of these new parking areas has led to the suppression of a lane, and as a consequence traffic jams are more frequent because there are more and more vehicles circulating in these central streets. In my opinion, these new parking lots for motorbikes should not be created in one of the main arteries of the city.
When talking about the reduction of lanes in central streets, it comes to my mind the creation of the bicycle lane in the centre of Valencia. It is considered to be a very controversial topic among Valencians, and its usefulness is still questioned. What do you think about this? Do you think that its existence implies more benefits than damages, or vice versa?
· ST-LVIA-G8-4
Good morning you all! I have been considering possibilities of promoting the need of ecological resources in urban spaces and I have found an article which talks about the topic proposed in this group among others. While reading it I found very original the fact that there is an approach towards urban cities as open systems or living organisms. I attach here the highlighted extract of the article and the link at the end of my comments.
“From this perspective cities can be considered as open systems whose performance is possible from external inputs to meet the basic needs of production and consumption (Rees, 1996). Understanding urban space from this point of view leads to comparing a city to an organism, in their common trait of the demand for food and the deposition of waste on the environment (Grimm et al., 2000). Also implies to comprehend the relationships of the structure and functioning of urban ecosystems (through ecological networks); the influence of these patterns in the flows of water, energy, nutrients and biota (Castro, 2002); the links between the city’s environmental impacts and its resilience, and the well-being of its citizens.”
What I wanted to say by sharing this idea is that in terms of distribution, it would be beneficial for urban spaces, taking into account that we have to conceive cities as collectives of people, not individuals, if we raise awareness on the need of improving our lifestyle by the introduction of green sources and the reorganization of the cities. Having that in mind can make the difference and we would be rewarded with an environment less harmful, as it would have a direct impact on people’s health and welfare. Besides, as the article exposes, listening to cities needs would help considerably and as a consequence, the waste would be reduced in a wide range. How we plan, build, and manage our cities will decide the outcome of our efforts to achieve a sustainable and balanced development in future time.
scielo.br – How can an ecological perspective be used to enrich cities planning and management?
How can an ecological perspective be used to enrich cities planning and management?
scielo.br
· ST-LVIA-G8-3
+ ST-LVIA-G8-1 Hello, everyone. I find very interesting the bicycle lane topic. In my opinion, it has been a very practical idea. Nowadays, more and more people are trying a new healthy lifestyle, and with that, the use of alternatives to automobiles has increased. On the one hand, we can consider that an increment in the use of these vehicles could be a risk factor for pedestrians. Therefore, it would be very convenient to differentiate two areas. On the other hand, the road could be dangerous for bicycles, needing a different path from vehicles. Having improved and boost the number of those lanes, two problems have been solved.
In addition, this could lead to the topic of environment. How people should make less use of cars and motorcycles and find other ways of transport. What do you think about it? What arrangements could be done to improve the situation we are living in?
Thank you for all your interesting responses!
· ST-LVIA-G8-4
+ ST-LVIA-G8-3 Good morning, it’s me once again!
To start with the first question proposed by ST-LVIA-G8-3, (how people should make less use of cars and motorcycles and find other ways of transport?) what comes to my mind is the possibility of reducing the cost of public transport and the other way round with fuel. Nevertheless, this measure could be considered extreme and could cause disagreement.
Based on my experience, I think that for instance, the underground is too expensive. Each year there is an increase in the price and a single ticket costs as much as two tickets years ago. I personally would appreciate and use even more public transport than I do now if the prices were more coherent again. I believe that just by reducing people would change their minds and would take advantage of that solution. Besides the economic issue, I find that public transport is not enough and does not reach every district of Valencia and this could be used as an argument of people who defend the use of cars and motorcycles.
What do you think about it? Do you agree with me?
· ST-LVIA-G8-1
Good morning, I’m back!
I pretty much agree with ST-LVIA-G8-3’s ideas on the topic of the bicycle lane. There is a movement taking place all over the world which promotes healthy lifestyles. Using a bicycle instead of a car as a means of transport comes with this active way of life. In my opinion, it is also a very good way of doing sports for those who don’t have much spare time. At the same time you are doing an ordinary activity such as going to work or going shopping you are getting fit.
However, despite all the positive points that this lane provides, there are some negative ones that need to be solved in order to make it safe; both for riders and pedestrians. In my opinion, some parts of the bicycle lane in Valencia are very dangerous, mostly in the recently built are of the city centre. Many accidents have taken place in some conflictive areas of this line jeopardising the lives of those who were involved in them. The solution should start by regulating this areas with traffic lights or the creation of yield street signs. In your opinion, what should be a good way to take care of this conflictive areas? Whose fault is it: pedestrians, riders or car drivers?
Regarding the question raised by ST-LVIA-G8-3, I agree with ST-LVIA-G8-4 that the prizes of public transports should be reduced in order to favour its use instead of cars or motorbikes. The best idea to avoid the massive use of personal vehicles is to improve the quality of public transport and, as I have mentioned before, the consolidation of the bicycle line by proposing solutions to avoid accidents.
See you soon!
· ST-LVIA-G8-4
+ ST-LVIA-G8-1 + ST-LVIA-G8-2 + ST-LVIA-G8-3
Hi there! I have been reading your comment ST-LVIA-G8-1, and it seems to me that the whole group has similar ideas and a common direction in which to go through the topic.
I would say the most important thing is that no matter what the issue is, but how imperative is to act, to implement those solutions we have proposed, or even different ones, for a better instability, an organization of the cities and the use of every resource we have within reach. Therefore, it depends on the way we focus it, the limits we can demolish and the ability to be able to distinguish the wide range of perspectives and possibilities urban spaces have.
Thanks to all of you, because it has been a pleasure sharing all those ideas and learn from the process. I found it a super enriching experience. See you soon!
· ST-LVIA-G8-2
+ ST-LVIA-G8-4 + ST-LVIA-G8-1 + ST-LVIA-G8-3 Hi there! After a long absence, I’m back to read to your ideas and share mine. As you have been really participative, I’ll try to give my opinion on every topic.
I think the article included by ST-LVIA-G8-4 (which was very interesting, by the way) can be linked to the topic exposed by ST-LVIA-G8-1 about bicycle lane. In my opinion, the new bicycle lanes created in Valencia have some advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, as you girls have pointed out, it is a really eco-friendly solution. Moreover, it is a nice way to motivate citizens to take a while for themselves and do some exercise. On the other hand, I’m afraid I agree with ST-LVIA-G8-1 about the danger of some of these lanes. We don’t need to look really far away to find an example. In Blasco Ibañez road there is a really dangerous bicycle lane, as it is really difficult for cars to see it. I think a possible solution for this is to properly signpost these lanes in order to avoid more accidents.
About the prizes of public transport, I totally agree with all of you, as I find these means really expensive. Moreover, as a continuation of what ST-LVIA-G8-4 pointed out previously, I believe that (at least in my case) many people avoid taking the bus or the underground due to the negative experiences they make you live. For instance, every time I take the bus I arrive late to my destination, each time for a different reason. If some measures for oiling the wheels of our public transport network were settled, more people would use them.
In order to finish with this topic, I’d like to raise a final question: which decisions of the ones exposed previously by ourselves should our local government take into account?
· ST-LVIA-G8-2
Hi, it’s me again! I’m writing again because I feel that we left out a really important and interesting topic to discuss.
We have been talking all the time about issues that are present in our city every single day. However, keeping in mind how important are parties for us (as we are Spanish and they are a relevant element of our culture and lifestyle). I’m not excactly talking about discos or «botellón» (which is another issue that we should discuss, as it is a problem for our urban organisation too). What I mean is about traditional parties which involve a great movement of people (mainly tourists) on the streets of the city. The most reamerkeable party in Valencia is Las Fallas, as we all already know. This year lots of streets have been closed for cars, allowing pedestrians walk freely around the city. However, this measure gave lots of traffic problems. Another measure taken this year is a reorganisation of the streets of access to the «mascletàs» in Plaza del Ayuntamiento in order to avoid problems.
What do you think about these measures? Which other measures would you suggest?
· ST-LVIA-G8-3
+ ST-LVIA-G8-2 Hi again.
I find ST-LVIA-G8-2’s topic very interesting and something, we as not only people who want to party but also as drivers or pedestrians that want, for example, to take the bus. Taking the example of Fallas, a lot of roads were not accessible by car, which can be a bit of a problem for people who have to work near those areas. However, this could be a great possibility to invest in public transport. Normally, roads are closed for individual vehicles, not for buses, for instance. A good arrangement could be the decrease of prizes of public transport during those days.
In addition, another problem, I particularly had this year, is the lack of a proper subway line. It is true that the present line reaches downtown, but there are places that are not covered. Therefore, another idea could be to add more subway stations, which can be very convinient, taking into account that subways do not interfere with normal streets.
What do you think about it? And personally, which public transport way do you prefer?