Issue #174 - January - LivableStreets Alliance

Bringing Greater Boston’s Bus System up to Speed

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LivableStreets Alliance, in collaboration with the Institute for Transportation & Development Policy (ITDP), is excited to announce the release of our report, Keeping Pace: How Greater Boston’s Bus System Can Support a Growing and Changing Region. The report outlines the system's failure to keep up with the region it serves, and provides an actionable plan to get the bus system back on track by 2030. It emphasizes the need for rapid action and collaboration between all levels of government to provide the necessary resources to mitigate some of the pressing issues, like the staffing crisis at the MBTA and overall lack of funding. Click here to read the full report.

ICYMI: An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities Became Law Earlier this Month!

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In momentous news for road safety in Massachusetts, Governor Baker signed An Act to reduce traffic fatalities into law on Monday, January 2nd. After more than a decade of advocacy around this important legislation with our partners and the Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition, we are thrilled that it's finally become law.

This bill includes many important measures including:

Defines "Vulnerable Road Users" to include people walking and biking; roadside workers; and people using wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, etc.
Requires "safe passing distance" to be 4 feet for drivers giving clearance to Vulnerable Road Users
Requires state owned and contracted trucks to be equipped with lateral side-guards, mirrors, and backup cameras
Clarifies the process for municipalities to lower speed limits on both municipal and state-controlled roads
Develops a statewide standardized analysis tool to be used to report crashes and incidents involving Vulnerable Road Users

One final change to highlight is that the law does now require bicyclists to use rear red lights at night; however, the absence of a light is not cause for an officer to stop a bicyclist.

StreetTalk 10-in-1 Full Recording + Photos Available for Viewing!

The audience at the StreetTalk 10-in-1, sitting in the pews at the Old South Meeting House. The audience are looking to the camera's right, towards the presenter on stage, and are raising their hands.

Photo by Jenna Joyce

If you missed the StreetTalk 10-in-1 in December, or just want to relive the glorious evening, you're in luck! The GBH Forum Network has published their video recording of the event here, and photographer Jenna Joyce captured the spirit of the evening — check out the photo album here.

A New Face at LivableStreets

Michaela, a light-skinned white woman with chin-length, straight light brown hair and light blue eyes, smiles at the camera, showing her teeth. She is wearing a black blazer over a textured white shirt and a silver and gold necklace, and she is leaning to the viewer's left. In the background is a faded-out photo of a greenway in the snow, and over the photo are the words "Welcome Michaela!" and "Emerald Network Project Manager"

We rang in the new year by welcoming a new face on the team. Meet Michaela Grenier, our brand-new Emerald Network Project Manager! She's joining us with a wealth of experience in organizing, conflict resolution, and equity and anti-racism work. She is already getting out in the community and learning about Emerald Network projects. Say hi to her at [email protected]!

Opportunities

Development Director, Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition: The Development Director will work to create structure and streamline MFFC’s processes and continue building on fundraising efforts. They will thrive on fostering relationships with funders, partners, and advisory members, and most importantly the residents of Mattapan. Learn more and apply here.
Director of Organizing, GreenRoots Chelsea: The Director of Organizing will establish systems and strategies to support each organizer and to further develop GreenRoots coordinated organizing efforts. Learn more and apply here.
2023 Bay State Bike Month Logo Designer, MassBike: MassBike is seeking a talented graphic designer to create their 2023 Bay State Bike Month Logo. The logo will be featured on the Bay State Bike Month t-shirt, website, stickers, and print materials. This is a paid opportunity and a chance to use your artistic skills to encourage bicycling statewide. Learn more and apply here.
Lead Organizer, Codman Square Neighborhood Corporation: CSNDC seeks a self-motivated, experienced Lead Organizer to help build a base of resident leaders – an “Equity Army” - to advocate for economic and racial justice within the Codman Square/Four Corners/South Dorchester and beyond neighborhoods of Boston. Learn more and apply here.
Senior Program Manager - Bicycle + Ped Program, MassDOT: The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for the management of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, including the development of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects, with potential to manage additional mobility programs as identified. Learn more and apply here.
Multiple positions, Madison Park Development Corporation:
Assistant Director of Transportation, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC): The Assistant Director of Transportation will help manage department staff and budgets, support regional transportation planning at the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), manage technical assistance projects, and other activities to advance the transportation components of Greater Boston’s regional land use and policy plan, MetroCommon2050. Learn more and apply here.

As a policy, LivableStreets will only advertise opportunities that include salary or compensation information.

Thank you!

Check out the following resources to learn more about what we've been up to lately!

Press: Read local and national press featuring LivableStreets and our work.
StreetFilms: Watch videos highlighting our advocacy and events.
Greenway Stories: Join us as we explore greenway successes and challenges around the Boston area.

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