FrançoisMay 31, 2023
Madeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhD
It's hard to describe the startling QUIET of these open streets. Hundreds of people out, and all you hear are birds singing, the click of a bike mechanism, and the murmur of conversation. Cities aren't loud, cars are loud. #Montreal #OpenStreets
May 30, 2023 at 2:50amMastodon for Android
Show threadmmalcMay 30, 2023
@mbonsma
One of my favourite moments in Japan a few decades ago was during the Gion festival — not because of the inherent splendidness of the festival itself, but as a result of much of central Kyoto being closed off to cars.
I paused for a couple of seconds in the middle of a crossroads away from the main events, surrounded by vast crowds, and the predominant sound was that of thousands of footfalls.
Show threaddingodogMay 30, 2023
@mmalc @mbonsma what about construction? When I'm in a big US city I often feel the predominant noise comes from jackhammers, riveters, cranes, dump trucks, etc.
Show threadmmalcMay 30, 2023
@dingodog19 @mbonsma
For me at least that’s typically a much more localised and intermittent issue.
In the SF Bay Area, for example, almost no matter where you are there’s an almost incessant susurration of freeway traffic.
Show threaddingodogMay 30, 2023
@mmalc @mbonsma for sure. I'm just imagining, say, Manhattan without the cars, and I think it would still be loud.
Show threadMorganaMay 30, 2023
@mbonsma Don’t forget « les terrasses » !!!
Show threadMaggieci democracy enjoyerMay 30, 2023
@mbonsma I enjoyed visiting the progressive #Montreal recently and adored the pedestrian-only streets. Great for business!
Show threadDanJun 1, 2023

@mbonsma Is this where the city turns a major street into a pedestrian street for a day or two? Or are these permanent pedestrian streets?

I can't wait to visit again this year.

Show threadMadeleine Bonsma-Fisher, PhDJun 1, 2023
@ill_logic this one is semi-permanent, open from May to September or October. My friends who live nearby said that every year it's open a bit earlier in the season and stays open longer, so one day it might be permanent year-round!
Show threadDanJun 1, 2023
@mbonsma I'm in love with that city. I will look for it when I'm there. Thank you!