This  Streetfilms video about Madison Square in New York has a lot of footage of citizen feedback, better illustrations of what was actually done to an area of chaotic, wide roads to transform the area into a great space for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike. It shows what can be accomplished with a minimal budget investment as well – all of this has been done with basic outdoor furniture, scrap materials, plastic planters and some paint.

There are lessons here that a lot of cities should be taking to heart. Just think of the places in Austin where we could apply some of these ideas, such as on South Congress.