Introducing our Dominican Republic Correspondent Andiel Galvan!
Here at Pedestrian Space we recently launched a Global Walkability Correspondents Network, as a way to build solidarity among walkability advocates around the world and continue to create media on sustainable mobility and urbanism.
We are grateful to welcome Santo Domingo- based Andiel Galvan to our growing network of individuals who are passionate walkability advocates.
I believe Santo Domingo can become a more walkable city, through education and law enforcement, first. Then, public safety, a larger and better connected public transportation system, and of course, the necessary infrastructure.
Andiel Galvan
WHO
I am a Dominican citizen concerned about the hostility and violence of the city of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. For many years I have been advocating for a more pedestrian-friendly city.
My academic background is in Social Communications. I have a Political Sciences Master and a Master of Public Affairs, with a concentration in Territorial Development. I have worked in the public policy arena, as well as in the private sector.
I create content for social media in order to spotlight the risks and perils of walking in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as well as to remind people of the mobility and transit laws and regulations, which usually favor and protect pedestrians.
I am concerned about mobility for vulnerable people and their ability to be part of the city. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, tourists, and others often suffer a more hostile environment, because of the risks they may encounter while they walk or because of the restrictions of freedom to move in the territory.
Andiel Galvan
WHERE
Last year, I joined the board of the neighbor’s council of Ensanche Naco, a district here in Santo Domingo which I have been close for the last 15 years and where I live now. In this district of Santo Domingo, we suffer from the illegal occupation of public space (in particular, sidewalks) from residential buildings, restaurants, formal parking, or just cars. We also face mobility issues, in terms of the violent habits of drivers who disrespect the speed limits, ignore pedestrian crossings, stop signs, and even one-way signs. Our sidewalks are often not accessible as they are lacking ramps.
WHY WALKABILITY
I am concerned about mobility for vulnerable people and their ability to be part of the city. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, tourists, and others often suffer a more hostile environment, because of the risks they may encounter while they walk or because of the restrictions of freedom to move in the territory.
The Dominican Republic is at the top of Latin America in deaths in traffic accidents, and pedestrians are also part of these statistics. As a normal citizen, I know that working together in the same direction, we can achieve significant improvements to have a more walkable city in this country.
We face mobility issues, in terms of the violent habits of drivers who disrespect the speed limits, ignore pedestrian crossings, stop signs, and even one-way signs. Our sidewalks are often not accessible as they are lacking ramps.
Andiel Galvan
ON BEING A WALKABILITY CORRESPONDENT
I am happy to become a Dominican Republic Walkability Correspondent at Pedestrian Space, and to be able to share several case studies and lessons learned on making Dominican cities pedestrian-friendly with this international community.
I believe Santo Domingo can become a more walkable city, through education and law enforcement, first. Then, public safety, a larger and better connected public transportation system, and of course, the necessary infrastructure.
As a Dominican Republic Correspondent, I expect to share content and interviews related to initiatives for a more walkable city, whether they come from neighbors association, students, or the authorities.
I create content for social media in order to spotlight the risks and perils of walking in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as well as to remind people of the mobility and transit laws and regulations, which usually favor and protect pedestrians.
Andiel Galvan
Andiel Galván lives in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and is an advocate of the walkable city. He dreams of a city where children and the elderly can walk safely. He believes Dominican cities can become more walkable, through education and law enforcement.
Read Dominican Republic Correspondent Andiel’s content here
Learn more about the Global Walkability Correspondents Network here