Palo Alto, the town right next to Stanford University, has become remarkably crowded with cars over the years. The main drag,University Avenue, is filled with lovely shops and restaurants, (having dined there last night), but the experience sure would be nicer without all those cars.  There are the beginnings of a movement (launched by a student group in our Creating Infectious Action class in the Stanford d.school) too close seven or eight blocks of the street and turn it into a pedestrian mall (as so many European cities do), which would make it much more pleasant to visit and eat in the outdoor restaurants.  The students have been interviewing a host of stakeholders, merchants, customers, police officers, and city officials, and many believe that it is a viable idea — most of the merchants are especially enthusiastic.  Their emerging dream of what it would be looks something like the above picture. You can join the Facebook group here. If you love the idea, spread it around and help build some energy.  If you think it sucks, tell them why. And if you have ideas about how to design it — or to create a movement to make it happen — let the students know.