A note from Stacy Thompson:

I'm excited to be stepping into my new role as LivableStreets' Executive Director as so many great things are happening within LivableStreets and our larger community (check out our full newsletter below for updates on some great events and a big win!)

At the same time, for every victory there are also tragedies that remind us we are a long way from achieving our vision of a Metro Boston where every street is a safe and vibrant public space and our transportation system is convenient, affordable and accessible for everyone.

That is why an anonymous donor is offering a matching donation of up to $10,000 for any contribution made to Tour de Streets within the next ten days. 

That means if you donate $100, our donor will match that with another $100. If you are considering participating in Tour de Streets as a rider or walker, now is the time to register and kick-start your fundraising efforts.

Tour de Streets began as a memorial ride for Bob Zeeb who tragically passed away as the result of a crash that occurred when he was riding his bike. 

Bob is unfortunately one of many people who’ve been injured or lost their lives as a result of unsafe streets. LivableStreets is committed to transforming our streets and we won’t stop until we have achieved our vision.

We have 10 days to raise $10,000. Join me. Donate and double your impact today.

From all of us at LivableStreets, thank you for your continued support.

-Stacy

What's happening

We're hiring! Community Engagement Manager! 

LivableStreets is seeking a motivated full-time Community Engagement Manager to advance key programs including the Emerald Network, Vision Zero and bus priority, by engaging people across Metro Boston online, at events and through coordinated community outreach efforts.

To learn more about the Community Engagement Manager position and apply, click here. We are looking to fill this position by the end of September, so please share this email far and wide to help us find a great Community Engagement Manager.

Advocacy Committee Meeting

The LivableStreets Advocacy Committee is taking it to the streets tonight! Join expert advocates for a 2.2 mile walk from Hynes Convention Center down Mass Ave into Dorchester. We'll be discussing proposed Vision Zero infrastructure changes and the opportunity for bus priority as we walk. We'll end at the new Dorchester Brewing Company to debrief and hang out!

Event Details
Advocacy Committee Field Trip
Wednesday, August 24 at 6:15pm
Hynes Convention Center Station, Mass Ave, Boston

We hope to see you this evening! Please RSVP here.

Wins
 

Vision Zero Win! Slower speed limits for cities and towns in Massachusetts 

We are happy to share that as part of the Municipal Modernization Bill cities and towns in Massachusetts will be able to establish 25 mph speed limits in thickly settled areas and establish designated safety zones of 20 mph!

Boston Mayor Walsh also announced that he will use this bill to work with the city council to reduce the default speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph in Boston.

This is a major win for Vision Zero in Boston and through out the state. Lowering speed limits can be an important tool in reducing serious crashes.  It won’t necessarily change dangerous behavior overnight, but it will reduce barriers to implementing better street designs that encourage drivers to move at safe speeds. This is an important step forward. 

Changing the default speed limit was a key recommendation of the Vision Zero Coalition — To learn more about the coalition and our work visit www.visionzerocoalition.org!

Opportunities
 

WalkBoston "Ped101" Training Workshops

Take a free, beginner pedestrian advocacy training organized by WalkBoston! The "Ped 101" sessions are small group conversations that are helpful if you're interested in learning about:

• walkability, urbanism and the associated lingo (what's a "tight turning radius")
• making neighborhoods safer for people walking and running
• how you can advocate for change in your own community 

Event Details
"Ped 101" Pedestrian Advocacy Trainings
Tuesday, September 13, 5:30-6:30pm
Wednesday, September 28, 12-1pm
@ WalkBoston, 45 School Street Old City Hall, Boston

To learn more and to register for one of these sessions, click here.

Transportation for Massachusetts recruiting for new Director

Transportation for Massachusetts is recruiting for a new Director to lead their work.

The successful candidate will be a seasoned leader, who is results-oriented, with a significant track record of advancing an ambitious policy agenda in transportation or a related field. S/he will have experience engaging and unifying diverse stakeholders to develop strategies that lead to measurable policy outcomes. Additionally, we seek someone with management experience, outstanding communications and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to addressing climate change and social justice. 

To learn more and apply, click here.