In this issue:

Take 5 minutes to share your ideas!

MBTA public meetings underway - make your voice heard!

City of Boston launches Vision Zero Safety Concerns Map

2015 Impact Report now online

Brookline residents back Beacon Street improvements 

Volunteer wanted: must love maps!

What's happening

Take 5 minutes to share your ideas!

Will you take 5 minutes to share your ideas for making our streets more livable by taking our 2016 Planning Survey? Last week we surveyed our members* to hear their thoughts and we are now opening this process up to the entire LivableStreets community. Please submit your ideas by Monday, February 8! By sharing your ideas today, you'll help us shape better streets for tomorrow!

*LivableStreets members receive quarterly members-only emails, free entry to events and other perks throughout the year. To learn more and become a member for just $5/month click here.

MBTA public hearings underway - make your voice heard!

Now is the time to show up and speak up about the proposed MBTA fare increases and potential service cuts! 

2 ways to take action today:

1. Attend an upcoming MBTA public hearing: meetings provide critical opportunities for T riders to voice their concerns about fare hikes and service cuts. Click here to view the full schedule of upcoming hearings.

2. Submit a public comment via email:

• late night service: Click here to hear more about the proposed late night service cuts and share your thoughts: [email protected]

• fare hikes: Use this online tool to figure out what the change would mean for you and submit your comment here: [email protected]. 

• commuter rail: Learn more about the possible changes to the commuter rail schedule and how it might impact you here and then voice your opinion here: [email protected]

• green line extension: Click here to learn more about possible cuts to this important project. Voice your support for sticking with the plan to extend the Green Line with the Community Path here: [email protected].

And don't forget to share your comments and concerns with your elected officials as well because they will be making critical decisions in the future about the fate of public transit. Click here to find out who your representatives are and how you can reach them. 

City of Boston launches Vision Zero Safety Concerns Map

It is with great sadness that we report that 11 people walking were killed on our streets in Massachusetts in January; 4 of which were in Boston. One is too many… it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps to stop these preventable tragedies.  

The City of Boston has launched an interactive Vision Zero safety concerns map where you can locate and comment on specific street safety concerns in Boston.

3 ways to take action today:

• Submit your safety concerns on the interactive map

• Read the City Of Boston’s Vision Zero Action Plan

• Sign up for Vision Zero updates 

Vision Zero touches all aspects of LivableStreets’ work, and to this end we aim to advance Vision Zero in Boston and beyond. In 2014 we were one of the founding organizations for the Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition. You can read more about the progress we've achieved with the coalition and get involved here.

2015 Impact Report now online

If you didn’t get your hands on a copy of our 2015 Impact Report at the StreetTalk 10-in-1 in December, the full report is now available online here!

Did you know that LivableStreets has more than tripled its programs and impact over the last 5 years? Check out the Impact Report to get a close-up look at LivableStreets' community, growth and achievements over the last decade! 

Wins

Brookline residents back Beacon Street improvements

At a public meeting on January 7th, Brookline residents unanimously backed a proposal to remove a travel lane on Beacon Street to accommodate safety improvements between Marion St and Westbourne Terrace. More than 100 people packed the Selectman’s Room at Brookline Town Hall, spurring momentum for a project that will enhance safety for everyone along this highly traveled corridor.

Join Brookline Transportation Board at their next meeting tonight to learn more and continue to voice your support for these much needed improvements!

Opportunities

Volunteer wanted: must love maps!

LivableStreets is seeking a tech-savvy volunteer to help us make our Emerald Network maps more interactive. If you are familiar with any online map-making tools or creative ways to create a zoom-in/zoom-out feature for our existing maps we would love your help! Please contact [email protected].