We've got legs; why don't we use them?

Too often, in Auckland, we prefer to cruise down streets in our automobiles, gazing out like the windows like detached lords.  Unfortunately, this obsession with the motor vehicle is painstakingly reflected in our very un-pedestrian friendly downtown. Nothing is worse than walking down Queen Street, and having to inhale thick exhaust fumes.

Sure, the council is responding to this situation by transforming a few of our city streets into "shared spaces," such as Derby Street and Elliot Street.

But isn't this just tinkering around the edges? Can cars and pedestrians really co-exist on the same stretch of tarmac. I think any sane human being will prefer not to be occupying the same space as a 1.5 tonne hunk of metal on wheels.

In my opinion, parts of Queen Street should be pedestrianised. This is, after all, our main street. It is certainly the busiest by a long shot.

This has been done successfully in other parts of the world.

Take the devilish city of Adelaide as a prime example. Adelaide has a similar population to Auckland.

Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2009)

Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2009)

Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2009)

These pictures show the city's main street Rundle Mall. It was pedestrianised in the 1970s, and is now a vibrant and exciting heart for the city. And guess what? No cars allowed!

Melbourne and San Francisco also have their premier streets as pedestrian areas.

Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2010)

Mitchell, S. C. (Author) (2010)

And in keeping with the unique flavour of these two cities, they both have their signature modes of transport running down the middle. Melbourne has its trams, while San Francisco has its cable cars.

Even Los Angeles, the supposed automobile heaven, has a few things to teach us.

Mitchell, S. C (Author) (2010)

This picture is of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Again, its an inviting pedestrian environment.

And look at Times Square in New York. This was closed off to cars in 2009.

We are informed (2010)

So lets learn from these fine cities, and pedestrianise parts of our golden mile. Queen Street, too, could become a dynamic and exciting environment for pedestrians.