Rush Hour Race: And the winner is…
On Tuesday morning, we hosted the second annual Rush Hour Race sponsored by Plymouth Rock Assurance, with the Somerville Bicycle Committee. Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone sent the racers off in Davis Square on their routes to the finish line at Dewey Square across from South Station.
“Rush Hour Race is an event to raise awareness about all the ways we get
around our city. More and more people want transportation options and investing in them is critical. By investing in many different ways to get around, such as biking, walking and public transit, everyone’s commute can improve,” said Jackie Douglas, Executive Director of LivableStreets.
The MBTA proved to be the fastest way to get to work Tuesday at 8 AM. The MBTA rider took 25 minutes; roller blader 28 minutes; cyclist 30 minutes; runner 39 minutes; and the driver 50 minutes.
“At Plymouth Rock we care very deeply for the city of Boston. That’s why it’s so
important to us that our city has the safest, easiest and most efficient transportation options. Alternate forms of transportation are a great way to reduce traffic congestion, automobile miles driven and automobile crashes, which is why Plymouth Rock offers great rates for people who drive less than their peers. We’re proud to work with LivableStreets to promote the growth of all transportation options in Boston through events like the Rush Hour Race,” said Chris Olie, President of Plymouth Rock Assurance.
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Longfellow Bridge: Imagine if…
Too good to not share. This photo was captured by one of our members Tuesday morning, coming off of the Longfellow Bridge entering Charles Circle in Boston. Years ago, LivableStreets advocated for you and won a bike lane there (at least sort of), instead of just vehicle lanes.Now, imagine if there was a wider separated bike lane on the bridge. Imagine if this separated bike lane continued to Cambridge and Charles Street. Don’t worry, we are working on it! Become a member today, and support our Better Bridges campaign.
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Excellence in Advocacy for Better Bridges Campaign
We are excited to share that LivableStreets is one of four 2013 Excellence in Advocacy finalist. We were nominated and chosen because of our Better Bridges Campaign. Massachusetts Nonprofit Network received a record number of nominations, representing 177 organizations and individuals across the state. Award winners will be announced at the Nonprofit Awareness Day celebration at the State House on June 10.
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LivableStreets on WGBH “Right of Way” TV series
LivableStreets Executive Director Jackie Douglas was on Emily Rooney’s “Right of Way” show on WGBH Monday, May 6. Also on the show was filmmaker Kris Carter and Harvard University professor Noah Feldman,
to discuss bicycling in Boston.
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RSVP for 5th Annual Boston Bike Update event
with Nicole Freedman, Director of Boston Bikes, City of Boston
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
@ Boston Public Library, Rabb Hall & conference room, 700 Boylston St Boston
5:30 PM Doors Open – bike valet provided
6:00-8:30PM Presentations followed by Q & A
8:30-10:00 PM
LivableStreets Member Social @ Solas Irish Pub
Hosted by LivableStreets Alliance
Free & open to the public.RSVP please.
For the fifth year in a row, LivableStreets Alliance will host the annual Boston Bike Update event with the Director of the Boston Bikes Program, Nicole Freedman. Yes, she left for a little while, but she’s back! Find out how Nicole has jumped back in to keep all of the City’s goals on track. Hear the latest on the Bike Network Plan, Climate Action Goal, Hubway bike share, parking facilities, youth programs, festivals and more.
Join us at this public forum on bicycle planning in Boston, and get your questions answered.
> Invite friends on Facebook
> Volunteer at the event – email [email protected] for more details.
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Bike4Life ride September 15
Fundraiser for LivableStreets
Last year, you helped us raised $40,000 through our Bike4Life fundraising bike ride. Thank you! This year, the ride will take place on Sunday, September 15th. The ride will have 20 and 40 mile routes from Newton, as well as a kid’s route. Save the date and more details coming soon!
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Street Ambassador Training
Tuesday, June 11, 12-1pm and 5:30-6:30pm
@ LivableStreets office, 100 Sidney St, Cambridge
[email protected] to RSVP
There’s more than one way to think about our streets, use our streets, and to enjoy our streets. As a LivableStreets Street Ambassador, you’ll be helping people shift their perceptions about what our communities could be.
Represent LivableStreets in neighborhoods, at festivals and at other public events. Share how our campaigns and programs are helping to improve the quality of life for people in and around metro Boston. Livable streets are achievable, but only when you get involved.
Last year, our 25 Street Ambassadors made national news and helped win short-term improvements in our Remove McGrath Campaign! Help make change this summer. Find out more information here and RSVP for a training today!
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Matter of Facts: Parking
Parking plays a big role in the way streets are designed and how our public space is used. Here are some facts on parking. Weigh in, what do you think about parking? Share your comments on Twitter, Facebook or send to [email protected].
Did you know?
- Ninety-nine percent of U.S. car trips begin and end in a free parking space.*
- The average automobile is parked 95 percent of the time.*
- Although many businesses today believe they benefit from free parking, curbside parking meters were actually introduced in 1935 by an Oklahoma City department store owner. He wanted to increase parking turnover so that there would always be spaces available for his customers.*
- Boston does not charge for residential parking permits, and issues about 350,000 permits every two years.**
*StreetsBlog.com
**Parking consultant, Mark Chase.
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Volunteer Spotlight with Paul Sohn
Where are you from?
I’m from Chicago, IL. I grew up in Hyde Park, a neighborhood on the south side of the city near the University of Chicago, and my family later moved to Wilmette, a suburb on the north side. So I got both the city and suburban experience growing up.
What is your favorite street in greater Boston?
I love Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge, especially near Central Square, where I live. It’s a good example of how reducing travel lanes on a major street can make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate.
What do you like about volunteering for LivableStreets Alliance?
Because LivableStreets is so volunteer-driven, there’s tons of opportunity to help out should you choose to pursue it. On the advocacy committee, if you have a good idea, more experienced volunteers (who have an incredible wealth of knowledge about transportation issues) will help you take it as far as you can.
What would your bumper sticker say?
“Yeah, my bike is in the shop”
> Watch the Remove McGrath video Paul created and read the full Spotlight here.
> If you are interested in volunteering with LivableStreets, come to our Volunteer Fridays from 12-2pm at our office, 100 Sidney Street, Cambridge! Next one happening tomorrow!
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Public Meetings and Events
Bike Week
Saturday, May 11-Saturday May 19
@ all over Massachusetts!
See all the events here>>
Grounding McGrath: Determining the Future of the Route 28 Corridor
Wednesday, May 15, 6-8pm
@ Albert F. Argenziano School, 290 Washington St, Somerville
Meeting details here>>
Open Streets on the Avenue of the Arts
Sunday, July 14th, 11am-4pm
@ Huntington Avenue, Boston
Open Streets on Blue Hill Avenue
Sunday, September 29th, 11am-4pm
@ Blue Hill Avenue, Boston
Presented by Circle the City
Event details here>>
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