Via Livable Streets:
This is a busy week in Boston, despite the stay-at-home advisory. Here are three ways you can take action for safer streets and better transit:
1. Send an email to speak up for a people-first Northern Ave Bridge
The City of Boston is holding a virtual meeting this Wednesday, May 6th to share an updated design for the Northern Avenue Bridge project. Despite significant public support, the City has not committed to ensuring the bridge is reserved for people walking, biking and emergency use only.
Take 5 minutes now to let the project team and City Council know that this project should not be approved in the budget until the City commits to a Northern Avenue Bridge that prioritizes people and respects the historic legacy of this iconic structure — email the City of Boston and at-large city councilors by Wednesday, May 6th (see suggested template in the orange box at link).
2. Register for our third Virtual StreetTalk this Wednesday at 6pm!
Once jobs and businesses begin to re-open, how can the MBTA continue to allow people to be safe and feel comfortable getting back on transit? Join us for our third virtual StreetTalk as we explore what is happening globally as transit systems in other countries begin to welcome non-essential riders back and discuss what we can learn from their experiences. To explore this topic in depth, we’ll be joined by Heather Thompson from ITDP (Institute for Transportation & Development Policy) and Steven Higashide from TransitCenter.
Event Details:
StreetTalk: Keep Transit Moving
Wednesday, May 6, 6:00pm – 7:00pm
@ Virtual Zoom Conference
Register here
3. Speak up for safe streets and better transit at the Boston Transportation and Public Works Departments budget hearing on Thursday.
Join us at the “streets” budget hearing to thank Mayor Walsh for proposing budget increases for Vision Zero programs and the bike network, and to comment in support of the City Council approving the proposal.
As outlined in our recent Go Boston 2030 progress report, we know the City needs to pick up the pace on critical projects, including the bike network and the Columbia Road redesign. Projects like the protected bike network and walk- and bike-friendly Main Streets are even more important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we hope to see the City make significant progress this year. Check out our report and recommendations, and let the City Council know that Go Boston 2030 goals and projects are important to you.
Event Details:
Boston Transportation + Public Works Departments Budget Hearing
Thursday, May 7, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
@ Virtual Zoom conference (Meeting ID: 359 230 088 | Password: 018142)
If you aren’t available during the hearing to testify live via videoconference, you can send in written testimony or pre-recorded videos to michelle.a.goldberg@boston.gov
Sincerely,
LivableStreets