In Lowell, WalkBoston, a Coalition for a Better Acre, and Acre neighborhood residents measured crosswalks, chalked out potential bump outs, and clocked traffic speeds as part of the Streets for People training program funded by the Cummings Foundation. These data will inform our recommendations to improve pedestrian safety and the quality of the walking environment in the Acre neighborhood.
WalkBoston and WatsonActive observed Middle School/High School arrival on April 25 and 27, 2017. Dismissal was not observed, as the traffic and safety issues identified by the key informants were focused on arrival. Additional infrastructure observations were also made.
The City Engineer requested a preliminary report recommending a project for possible inclusion in the City’s Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. WalkBoston and WatsonActive delivered a report of infrastructure recommendations for Melrose Street on April 28, 2017.
With the assistance of the MassDOT Safe Routes to School Program, online travel surveys were administered for both the High School and Middle School. These surveys collected information about how far away from school students live and their travel modes in the morning and afternoon. An additional parking survey was administered only to High School students who drive themselves to school. The High School travel and parking surveys were administered to students during class on June 6, 2017.
The Middle School travel survey was made available to Middle School parents from May 24 to June 12, 2017. Due to low initial participation, the Middle School travel survey was re-administered from June 14-30, 2017.
High School student focus groups were conducted on June 13, 2017 at Melrose High School.
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WalkBoston conducted a walk audit at Memorial Elementary School and in the surrounding neighborhood to assess the safety and quality of the walking environment for children walking to school. Westfield State University and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) also completed a walk audit and a Safe Routes to School analysis in the Spring of 2017. The purpose of the WalkBoston audit was to bring town staff together with the school administration to experience the walking conditions in the neighborhood and discuss opportunities to work together to improve pedestrian safety.
On November 21, 2017, WalkBoston conducted a walk audit at Memorial Elementary School and in the surrounding neighborhood to assess the safety and quality of the walking environment for children walking to school. Westfield State University and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) also completed a walk audit and a Safe Routes to School analysis in the Spring of 2017. The purpose of the WalkBoston audit was to bring town staff together with the school administration to experience the walking conditions in the neighborhood and discuss opportunities to work together to improve pedestrian safety. After a short presentation by WalkBoston staff that described elements of a safe, enjoyable walking environment, participants walked around the Memorial Elementary School neighborhood to observe traffic patterns, evaluate sidewalk and road crossing conditions, and discuss any other environmental factors that might detract from the walking experience.
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The City of New Bedford was awarded a Safe Routes to Parks (SRTP) technical assistance grant from the National Parks and Recreation Association. The goal of the SRTP program is to increase safe access to parks and improve health outcomes in underserved areas. Using Ashley Park in New Bedford’s South End Neighborhood as a pilot park, WalkBoston worked with New Bedford City staff to develop a process of assessing the walking routes to the park. Lessons learned from this walk audit and pilot project will inform future park evaluations in New Bedford.
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