Pittsburgh -- The City of Bridges Becomes the City of Footbridges

THIS PROJECT PREDICTS AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURES OF THOUSANDS OF CITIES AND TOWNS WORLDWIDE. THIS WEEK, WE HIGHLIGHT THE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN CITY OF PITTSBURGH AS IT LURCHES TOWARD 'GREEN UTOPIANISM' BY THE YEAR 2121 AD.

Pittsburgh in the twenty-second century has become a network of pedestrian walkways. The walkways allow citizens to traverse their surroundings easily and comfortably on foot or with a wheelchair or perambulator. With creative bylaws, each walkway allows for a pleasant trip to work in a community atmosphere, where commuters can take time out for breakfast or dinner at walkway take-outs and rooftop cafés. Many Pittsburghers believe that a ninety-minute walk to and from work—stopping off to chat with friends and colleagues while listening to sidewalk musicians—is a much more preferable way to commute than being stuck in a traffic jam for an hour and a half.

Pittsburgh in the early 22nd century

So how does such a vast cityscape of interconnected pathways possibly come about? Slowly and gradually. First of all, the new bus lanes (along with improved quality of service) encourage more people to opt for public transportation—so much so that the public bus business becomes both fashionable and profitable. City planners also find ways to link bus routes with new city center walkways. Over time, it becomes evident that every yard of new walkway reduces motorized traffic proportionally, since people decide to leave their cars at home and get about on foot. This may not be a conscious decision on their part but an unconscious acknowledgment that the city is somehow more accessible and enjoyable when the traffic jams and parking problems can be avoided.

Over many years, public support for walkways encourages more investment. Also, since the health of the people is improved as a result of all the physical exercise they are now getting, the government is less burdened with a variety of health care costs, and this frees up the funds for investment in additional walkways. Eventually, by 2121, because of all the mini-cafés, arty food bars, and colorful community kindergartens, the walkway environment spreads back down to colonize the streets as well