Over a quarter of city blocks lack sidewalk infrastructure. An advocacy project to reduce traffic speeds and increase pedestrian safety on these streets has evolved into a city-funded program.
In Seattle, 45,000 blocks lack sidewalks, and last year the Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, a neighborhood-based, volunteer coalition, launched a DIY program to make streets safer for pedestrians. "The concept is called Home Zones and is meant to create 'living streets' that can be shared between cars and people," writes Emily Nonko.
After a Home Zones pilot program in a north Seattle neighborhood, the Seattle City Council allocated $350,000 for an expanded program. "The greater vision of Home Zones, according to [Gordon] Padelford, is installing a combination of speed humps, traffic diverters, wayfinding signage and public artwork — lower-cost options in lieu of sidewalks," notes Nonko.
The Seattle Department of Transportation is overseeing the official pilot program, which will be implemented in two neighborhoods. But advocates say progress has been slow and the program still has not been fully funded. They also want to see more funding in next year’s city budget for implementable low-cost alternatives to sidewalks.
FULL STORY: DIY Initiative Addressing Lack of Seattle Sidewalks Becomes a City Pilot
Seattle Recalculates Walk Signal Timing to Make Crossings Safer for Pedestrians
The new formulas for calculating the length of walk signals are designed to give people more time to safely cross the street.
Denver to Shift Sidewalk Repair Work to City, Funded by Property Owners
The city is shifting from a piecemeal approach to sidewalk repairs that charged property owners with doing the work to a more streamlined, city-led process.
Traffic Safety Efforts Chug Ahead — Too Slowly for Some
Around the United States, traffic deaths are growing or plateauing, yet efforts to make roads safer still face political opposition.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.
San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.
A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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