Metro areas are more dangerous for pedestrians, especially Latinos and other minorities, than in previous years, according to a new study. The study, Dangerous By Design 2016 by Smart Growth America, found that pedestrians of color, older adults, and low-income metro areas are more likely to die. Pedestrian safety is worsening in largely Latino metro areas like Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Jose and Riverside, Calif., due to issues of policy, design, enforcement, and culture. Latinos, who comprise 16.9% of the U.S. population, account for 21.5% of pedestrian deaths overall. There's more reason for concern, too. Unsafe streets are a major hurdle for people trying to be physically active, stay healthy, or get to school or work. This situation collides (pun ...
Leaders in Manhattan broke ground last Friday on what will soon be a place for residents and visitors to gather for Farmers' markets and community events.
The Plaza de Las Americas will not only bring water and electricity to local vendors for the first time, but according to a StreetsblogNYC post, it will also serve to beautify the predominantly Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights with trees, lighting, benches, tables, chairs, and a fountain.
Another added benefit to this project is that it may help improve traffic safety conditions. StreetsblogNYC reports that at least six pedestrians and bicyclists have been injured on Broadway road where the new plaza is set to be built.
Click here to learn more. Learn more about Latino kids and the lack of safe places for ...
Residents living in Missoula, particularly those who ride the bus, can expect to save some extra dollars over the next three years thanks to a new initiative which will provide free bus fares to the community. According a news article from the Missoulian, the zero-fare riding initiative will save some riders up to $520 year. Over the next three years the zero-fare service along with phase 2 improvements are expected to increase ridership in the community by up to 45%. Although riders will not have to pay for bus services, this initiative could not have been made possible without the support of 14 different community partners who pitched in $460,000 in sponsorship money. “A fare, no matter how small, is a barrier for some folks that keeps them from riding the bus,” ...
Plans for more active transportation in the small city of Lebanon, Indiana are underway. According to a news story from reporter.net nearly 20 residents gathered in December 2014 to discuss plans for a proposed bike & pedestrian master plan. The plan came after local residents met in February for an active transportation workshop. Shortly after the workshop a steering committee was formed and engineers were hired to help residents formulate the plan. A draft of the latest plan was presented at a city meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 17th, 2014. Read the full story ...
Plans for improvements to Elmendorf Park, located on the Westside of San Antonio---a predominantly Latino area that has been historically underserved---are in the works. More importantly, local residents have approved of the plans for the $14 million in added amenities to the 30-acre park. According to a San Antonio Express news article, improvements will include: new playground equipment, an upgraded pool, an adult exercise area, trails, fountains and additional parking. In the news article, Lourdes Galvan, a trustee of the San Antonio River Authority (SARA), said: “It's been a long ride, but this happened because of all of you.” She added, “this is a result of your input.” The renovations are scheduled to begin by December 2014 and the project is to be complete by ...
Residents of Santa Ana, CA will soon see more bike lanes and improved traffic signage thanks to $3 million in grant funds from the California Transportation Commission. According to a news article from the Orange County Register, the city applied for 11 grants of which it was awarded 6, to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. With support from these funds, Santa Ana residents can expect to see: Bicycle boulevards on Bishop Street, Pacific Avenue and Shelton Street
Bicycle lanes on Newhope Street, Civic Center Drive and Grand Avenue
A Complete Streets Plan for five residential neighborhood corridors
Three Safe Routes to School projects at Heninger, King and Washington elementary schools involving upgraded signs, traffic-signal modification and an educational ...
Residents living in the predominantly Latino city of Santa Ana, CA, are working to improve pedestrian safety. The city has gradually implemented changes to its roads by adding illustrated signage and radar feedback signs that flash a driver's speed as they approach a busy intersection. In addition, they've also started developing a walk/bike plan. According to a Plantizen blog, pedestrian safety disproportionately affects cities with large minority populations like Santa Ana. A recent news article by Aljazeera America, stated that while Hispanics comprise nearly 15 percent of the U.S. population, almost 19 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur among Hispanics. To help improve Santa Ana's streets, officials have already applied for at least 10 grants, adding up to a ...
Rainer Valley is one of Seattle's most diverse neighborhoods. In 2012, residents of this community joined efforts to help make the streets of Seattle more walkable and bikeable by planning for greenways in their neighborhood. Greenways---paths that provide infrastructure to encourage walking and biking in residential neighborhoods---are one way to create healthy streets. Recently, members of the Rainier Valley Greenways Builds Coalition for Safe Healthy Streets (Rainer Valley Greenways) have begun planning and reaching out to neighbors, to hear what they have to say about street improvements. Members of the coalition mapped out significant places in the community like schools and parks, and drafted a Greenways timeline. To view the map, timeline, and other documents related to the ...
Michael Krings of Healthy Hastings and others have created a "Share our Streets" campaign to promote awareness of the need for bikers, motorists, and pedestrians to all share the road. Walking and biking are two key ways to get children physically active. However, the lack of safe streets often keep parents from letting their children walk or bike to school. In 2012, the state of Nebraska adopted a Safe Passing law which requires motorists to leave at least 3 feet of clearance for cyclists, pedestrians, or those using a personal mobility device. More recently, in 2013 a Compete Streets Policy was presented to the Hastings city council for review. Read more in this news article from theindependent.com: "Making the roads safe for bikers, ...
