Anyway, to your idea of traffic calming, I think this could also be addressed through some simple engineering. Many of the streets here in Houston (even within the loop) are basically designed for high speed driving. Something as simple as adding parallel parking along the street is enough to slow traffic down to safer speeds. Add other things like giant concrete planters in certain spots along the streets. This forces people to slow down and also allows for some much needed landscaping within Houston’s public space (the climate here is great for flowers, why not exploit that?). Traffic circles or roundabouts along certain roads would also help to calm traffic and allow for much needed park space. The one in the Museum District is great but what about a traffic circle in Montrose, for example? Finally, this city really needs at least one pedestrian only area (something akin to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica or Church Street in Burlington). Rice Village would be a perfect candidate.