Well proven in the Netherlands and a number of countries in Europe with millions of people living in "people-priority" zones, the Woonerf is a lesser-known and counterintuitive concept in North America. Urban planning since the introduction of the motor vehicle has placed the personal vehicle, and the movement of millions of them, at the top of the list of infrastructure priorities.
Woonerven and their international cousins, Home Zones, Shilaya Zona, Zone Residentiales, Living Streets, etc. emerged when Dutch traffic engineers were charged to reduce risk of harm on residential streets. It turns out, the typical interventions do not always work, are costly (sometimes too costly to correct) and often put people at the back end.
Establishing a Woonerf where there are no regulations to support it can be a challenge. But, we're doing it! And the evolution in planning happening world-wide is making its way to Victoria. We are grateful for the support of Council and staff.
Activities include research; building relationships among interest groups and individuals; developing design ideas and reaching out for donated stone, expertise and equipment.
A lot gets done through unexpected, naturally occurring opportunities.
Keep the Woonerf in its broadest sense in mind and you'll find lots of ways to engage—and invite others to build our success.
