Category: Announcement

Belmont: Peer Review of Complete Streets Prioritization Plan Project List

Belmont: Peer Review of Complete Streets Prioritization Plan Project List

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In August 2019, WalkBoston conducted a peer review of the Town of Belmont’s Complete Streets Prioritization Plan (CSPP) Project List at the request of the Town Administrator’s Office. We reviewed the proposed recommendations, observed pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns, and noted any possible additional fixes that could be made to further improve the walking environment. The memorandum linked below summarizes our understanding of the goals of the project list, describes our project review methodology, and summarizes our findings and recommendations from our site walks. It also includes a map showing the routes we walked to reach each proposed project location. Finally, the table below includes detailed comments about each proposed project location.

Downtown Boston “signals walk” with Boston Transportation Department

Downtown Boston “signals walk” with Boston Transportation Department

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WalkBoston took a downtown Boston “signals walk” with Boston Chief of Streets Chris Osgood, Acting Transportation Commissioner Greg Rooney and Boston Transportation Department Chief Planner Vineet Gupta on August 1st. We looked at several pedestrian-filled downtown Boston intersections and discussed the many ways in which Boston’s traffic signals are not yet fulfilling the policies outlined in GoBoston 2030 such as: making “walk-signals intuitive and giving people walking a head start,” or “shortening wait times at crossings and make signals adapt in real time to pedestrian behavior and flows.” (Check out page 140 for Pedestrian-First Traffic Signals.)

At 9 AM, during heavy commuting hours for walkers and T riders, the crosswalk across Cambridge Street in front of the Government Center T Station required pedestrians to wait 90 seconds to get a WALK signal. We also looked at several intersections where STOP signs would provide better service for both walkers and drivers – such as at Milk Street/Washington Street in front of the Old South Meeting House.

As we have for many years, WalkBoston will continue urging the Boston Transportation Department to fulfill the City’s motto of being “America’s Walking City” by making traffic signals in Boston work better for walkers.

We’re hiring an intern for the fall semester!

We’re hiring an intern for the fall semester!

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WalkBoston interns gain experience in transportation-related planning and design, community engagement, advocacy, and neighborhood revitalization efforts. If you have an interest in learning firsthand how walkability affects community health, civic participation and overall quality of life, then an internship at WalkBoston could be a career-enhancing experience for you.

Tasks include:

  • Assisting with walkability assessments and advocacy training
  • Researching and preparing white papers on transportation-related topics that affect the
    communities WalkBoston serves
  • Representing WalkBoston at community events and public meetings

Interns provide valuable substantive contributions to our work, and have the opportunity to
choose among a variety of projects. This is a paid internship; work study preferred.

Expectations

Interns are expected to work during their scheduled hours – we are flexible and will find a time that works around class schedules. If an intern cannot come to work, then they should notify the office as soon as possible.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to jobs@walkboston.org

Austin St Pop-up and Safe Access to Parks

Austin St Pop-up and Safe Access to Parks

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On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, WalkBoston joined many departments from the City of Boston for a Sidewalk Series/Austin St Pop-up in Thompson Square in Charlestown. 

Safe access to parks is an important part of creating a safe and walkable neighborhood. We encouraged attendees to add a green sticker to a map for places that felt safe for pedestrians, and a red sticker for areas that needed improvement. Many people then explained why it didn’t feel safe, and how they would fix things to make it better. We also heard great ideas about this section of Austin Street being something other than an extra slip lane for vehicles, all because it was opened up for a few hours to help people see the possibilities. We’ll be sharing all of the feedback we received with the city.

Thank you to the Age Strong Commission, New Urban Mechanics, Office of Neighborhood Services & Public Works for asking us to participate & making the day a success – and thanks to everyone that stopped by at the pop-up and shared your feedback (or just played with the bubble machine for a while)!

Event: Save the Date for “Walk with Us: A Celebration of Leadership,” Oct 2nd 6-8pm

Event: Save the Date for “Walk with Us: A Celebration of Leadership,” Oct 2nd 6-8pm

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Sign up now to join us on October 2nd as we honor Executive Director Wendy Landman’s 15 inspiring years of leadership, and welcome incoming Executive Director Stacey Beuttell (current Deputy Director) as she begins her work to carry WalkBoston’s mission forward. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and lively entertainment as we look back on WalkBoston’s achievements over the past 15 years and look ahead to our ambitious vision for the future.

All proceeds benefit our newly-created Walking-Around Money Fund. This fund will underwrite work in communities throughout Massachusetts, enabling WalkBoston to address pressing issues of pedestrian safety and equitable transportation.

*Can’t attend the event but still want to support the Walking-Around Money Fund? Click the Tickets button, and there is the option to make a donation.

What: “Walk with Us: A Celebration of Leadership”
When: October 2, 2019 6-8PM
Where: Society of Arts and Crafts, 100 Pier Four Boulevard #200, Boston, MA 02210
Cost: $150 – Beer, wine + food included with your ticket

More info to come: hope to see you on October 2nd!