Projects

Our projects fall into four strategic areas.

1. Inspire a vision by sharing innovative transportation ideas from around the world – encouraging governments, communities, and the public to think about the crucial role that transportation plays in vibrant urban life.

Citizens' Forum "Rethinking Urban Transportation" in collaboration with Boston Museum of Science. Four repeating 3-hour Forums were held in early 2006 with over 50 attendees at each. LivableStreets assisted in developing the program, and created and delivered two half-hour presentations at each session on "Transportation Technologies" and "Model Cities". We also assisted in developing materials for the 1-hour breakout group exercise, and created two comprehensive resources lists. We continue to offer these presentations to organizations that request. ...more

Monthly newsletter. Since December 2004, we have published a monthly newsletter [May 2006 circulation is 1050] that highlights transportation news around Boston, and advocacy efforts underway to improve the region’s transportation projects. ...more

Street Talk Series. LivableStreets launched our community discussion series in March 2006 with a presentation titled, "Livable Streets for Boston: Lessons from Portland, OR" by board member Phil Goff. The event packed Sherman Cafe in Union Square, Somerville with standing room only. ...more

2. Build partnerships with other advocacy groups, providing resources, tools, and support that help them collaborate effectively and speak with a more powerful voice.

On-line calendar. Launched in late 2005, our comprehensive on-line calendar lists events, activities, and public meetings on all aspects of urban transportation in the Boston area. Advocacy groups like WalkBoston use our calendar to manage their event listings-- a link from their website takes the user to the LivableStreets calendar with a view just of their events. ...more

On The Move Coalition and other advocacy networking. LivableStreets participates in the On The Move Coalition, working with other advocacy groups such as Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE), T-Riders Union, Sierra Club, and MASSPIRG to create better transit equity. We bring together advocates from different modes, such as WalkBoston, MassBike, Adaptive Environments, and MoveMass to focus the message that improving quality of life in Boston requires balancing the needs of transit riders, pedestrians, bicyclists, and persons with disabilities with auto use.

3. Empower communities, providing practical knowledge that helps them envision better transportation and take charge of their neighborhoods.

Traffic calming program. This project is in its early stages. We work with neighborhood groups and business associations to assist them in developing traffic calming programs, and then will assist them in working with their respective city departments to get their plans implemented.

Enhancing STEP's program. Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP) is a powerful advocacy group working toward a better Somerville through improved transportation options. Their work has focused on the Green Line extension. LivableStreets is working with them to enhance their grassroots pedestrian and bicycle advocacy efforts.

4. Create change in the way government approaches projects, improving results. We build consensus for balanced, actionable transportation plans that result in more livable streets.

Comm. Ave. reconstruction project advocacy. In collaboration with Adaptive Environments, WalkBoston, and MassBike, LivableStreets reviewed the design plans for an upcoming reconstruction project planned for Comm. Ave. between the BU Bridge and Kenmore Square --which bisects the BU East campus. We identified serious flaws with the existing design and presented our concerns. The Massachusetts Highway Department took our concerns seriously and facilitated a working relationship between the City of Boston and the advocacy alliance. The result will be a project that better serves transit riders, pedestrians, persons with disabilities, cyclists, and drivers alike. BU students, faculty and staff will enjoy a
much more livable street. ...more

Charles River Bridge Access Project. LivableStreets has been working closely with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to improve access across the bridges into and out of Boston for all users. We are currently developing a comprehensive evaluation and recommendation report on how to improve access for those on foot, bike, bus, or train. In collaboration with MassBike and WalkBoston, we have been advocating for improved snow clearing on these bridges.

Member, T Rider Oversight Committee. In April 2006, LivableStreets was elected to serve as one of the eight advocacy groups on the 24-seat to address issues and concerns of public transit riders. The committee was formed in 2004 at the urging of advocacy groups concerned with a proposed fare increase without commitment from the MBTA for improved service. ...more

Member, Urban Ring Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). The Urban Ring is a proposed circular transit line around Boston's downtown. Reformed in 2006, the CAC provides input to the Urban Ring project as it further develops Phase II. ...more.