Thursday, March 26, 2009
Where do you think you're going?
We've all heard of the infamous bridge to nowhere (I bet it's been a while since you thought about that, huh?). How's this for the crosswalk to nowhere:
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Street Talk: Russ Lopez on Urban Health
LivableStreets Alliance to host Street Talk by Russ Lopez on Urban Health: How shaping our built environment shapes ourselves.
When: Thursday, April 2, 7 - 9 pm
Where: 100 Sidney Street, Central Square, Cambridge
This event is free and open to the public. Donation suggested. Beer/sodas provided compliments of Harpoon Brewery!
"If there’s a supermarket in your zip code, for example, you’re 10% less likely to be obese. If there are a lot of intersections in your neighborhood - a sign of street connectivity and continuity - you’re less likely to be obese. And, not surprisingly, the more time people spend in their cars, the more likely they are to be obese” says Lopez. Come hear Russ Lopez speak about how our built environment – from playgrounds to fast food chains – shapes ourselves.
Russ Lopez, a native of California, is an Assistant Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. Past employment includes working on urban and environmental issues for then Lt. Governor John Kerry. He also worked for ten years in various positions in for the City of Boston on housing, community development and environmental concerns. Dr. Lopez was the first Executive Director of the Environmental Diversity Forum, a coalition of environmentalists and community activists advocating for environmental justice issues throughout New England.
This event is sponsored by LivableStreets Alliance.
For more information, click here.
When: Thursday, April 2, 7 - 9 pm
Where: 100 Sidney Street, Central Square, Cambridge
This event is free and open to the public. Donation suggested. Beer/sodas provided compliments of Harpoon Brewery!
"If there’s a supermarket in your zip code, for example, you’re 10% less likely to be obese. If there are a lot of intersections in your neighborhood - a sign of street connectivity and continuity - you’re less likely to be obese. And, not surprisingly, the more time people spend in their cars, the more likely they are to be obese” says Lopez. Come hear Russ Lopez speak about how our built environment – from playgrounds to fast food chains – shapes ourselves.
Russ Lopez, a native of California, is an Assistant Professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. Past employment includes working on urban and environmental issues for then Lt. Governor John Kerry. He also worked for ten years in various positions in for the City of Boston on housing, community development and environmental concerns. Dr. Lopez was the first Executive Director of the Environmental Diversity Forum, a coalition of environmentalists and community activists advocating for environmental justice issues throughout New England.
This event is sponsored by LivableStreets Alliance.
For more information, click here.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Snow Legislation: what happened?
Back in January, I asked you to call Governor Patrick's office in support of a house bill in support of making changes to snow clearing legislation. This would have made a variety of changes to how municipalities could handle snow and snow clearing, including by increasing the possible fines, adding teeth to enforcing those fines, and removing liability from residents who do clear snow from their walkways. Unfortunately, Governor Patrick vetoed this legislation, much to the great disappointment of many. Thank you all for your calls, and I'll be keeping you updated on next steps relating to the possibility of this legislation being refiled and/or other things WalkBoston will be doing to improve the state of snow clearance on pedestrian ways in Massachusetts.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Support Governor Patrick's Transportation Legislation!
Please call and/or write your State Representative and Senator today — Governor Deval Patrick’s Transportation Reform and Finance Legislation needs your support! (Click here to find out who your elected officials are and how to contact them.)
Express your support for the big ideas included in the transportation bill filed by Governor Patrick on February 24th by endorsing the bills commitment to pedestrian travel across the state.
The proposal balances reform with raising revenues to bring our transportation system into the 21st century. WalkBoston supports the increase in the gas tax as the best option to raise revenues. The proposed legislation also proposes smart revenue mechanisms to encourage energy-efficient vehicles and road-use based tax mechanisms.
The package includes significantly increased attention to pedestrians in a Healthy Transportation Compact to:
* Construct “complete streets” to enable pedestrians, bicyclists and bus riders to move safely on roadways in urban and suburban areas.
* Increase bicycle and pedestrian travel throughout the Commonwealth
* Expand Safe Routes to School
The reforms will increase safety, encourage physical activity, and help to make our communities more livable for young and old, those able-bodied or living with disabilities, and all citizens who walk by choice or because they are without a car.
The entire bill can be downloaded in PDF form at:
http://www.mass.gov/Agov3/docs/Legislation/090224TranspoReformLegislation.pdf
Please also consider speaking up for the bill at one of the Joint Committee on Transportation hearings:
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Springfield Technical Community College
When: Thursday, March 5, 2009 [Time – TBD]
Where: [TBD – South Shore]
When: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Methuen City Hall, Great Hall, 41 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Where: State House, Room A-1
Thank you!
Wendy Landman, Executive Director
Liz Levin, Board President
Express your support for the big ideas included in the transportation bill filed by Governor Patrick on February 24th by endorsing the bills commitment to pedestrian travel across the state.
The proposal balances reform with raising revenues to bring our transportation system into the 21st century. WalkBoston supports the increase in the gas tax as the best option to raise revenues. The proposed legislation also proposes smart revenue mechanisms to encourage energy-efficient vehicles and road-use based tax mechanisms.
The package includes significantly increased attention to pedestrians in a Healthy Transportation Compact to:
* Construct “complete streets” to enable pedestrians, bicyclists and bus riders to move safely on roadways in urban and suburban areas.
* Increase bicycle and pedestrian travel throughout the Commonwealth
* Expand Safe Routes to School
The reforms will increase safety, encourage physical activity, and help to make our communities more livable for young and old, those able-bodied or living with disabilities, and all citizens who walk by choice or because they are without a car.
The entire bill can be downloaded in PDF form at:
http://www.mass.gov/Agov3/docs/Legislation/090224TranspoReformLegislation.pdf
Please also consider speaking up for the bill at one of the Joint Committee on Transportation hearings:
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Springfield Technical Community College
When: Thursday, March 5, 2009 [Time – TBD]
Where: [TBD – South Shore]
When: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Methuen City Hall, Great Hall, 41 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Where: State House, Room A-1
Thank you!
Wendy Landman, Executive Director
Liz Levin, Board President
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