|
|
Staggering increase in traffic fatalities especially for people walking
Traffic fatalities have been increasing in Tucson with a staggering rise in pedestrian fatalities in 2022. Meanwhile, media reporting of these tragedies fails to acknowledge that our streets are dangerous by design* while falling in the trap of victim blaming.
According to the crash analysis done for Tucson’s Pedestrian Safety and Action Plan, 80% of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries occur on streets with speed limits of 35+ mph and 90% of pedestrian deaths and severe injuries occur on JUST 11% of Tucson streets. We know that speed is a major contributing factor on whether a crash that involves a person walking will turn deadly. Yet, we hardly ever see any reporting that acknowledges how our high-speed, multi-lane arterail roadways are a major contributing factor when it comes to these fatalities.
Read more >>
*See our "Reads" section for an excellent blog post that unpacks this concept
|
|
|
|
Photo by Ernesto Raul Aguilar
4 traffic circles + 1 speed table later...
Over the past year, Living Streets Alliance has partnered with three different communities in the 85705 zip code to facilitate quick-build projects that combine traffic calming treatments with murals painted on the street. These projects were implemented as part of the City of Tucson’s Thrive in the 05 initiative focused on the 05 zip code.
These projects were implemented over three Block Painting Parties with neighbors. Fueled by pan dulce, music from great DJs, and delicious burritos & tacos, volunteers came together to finish each project in one day. Many even got their bikes repaired while they painted. Planters with native desert plants went in. We’re big fans of the block painting party model because events like this, where residents collectively transform their streets, create an opportunity to reinforce existing community connections while fostering new ones. Neighbors gather in a festive environment and together bring the artwork to life. As colors begin to spill onto the asphalt, a sense of joy spreads over the street.
Read more >>
|
|
|
|
Announcing the next Cyclovia Tucson route: Lost Barrio—Himmel Park
Last week we announced the route for our 19th Cyclovia Tucson open streets event. Join us on April 16th for a meander through three miles of car-free, care-free streets connecting the Lost Barrio warehouse district and Himmel Park. Mark your calendar now and click the link below for more info and to sign up to volunteer, host an activity, join as an event sponsor, and more.
Have a look >>
|
|
FREE Mobile Bike Repair Clinics
We're excited to continue offering free bike repair clinics to get the whole family ready to ride, whether it's rolling to the nearest school, ice cream or raspados shop, or just around the neighborhood.
We bring the tools, basic replacement parts, and a limited supply of youth helmets to get you equipped and ready to go.
School events:
Students at the following schools are invited to bring their bikes for repair and tune-ups on the dates listed below:
Tuesday, February 28th, 6-8 PM
Maldonado Elementary
3535 W Messala Way, Tucson AZ 85746
Thursday, March 2nd, 5-6:30 PM
Myers-Ganoung Elementary
5000 E Andrew Street, Tucson AZ 85711
These clinics are made possible in partnership with the City of Tucson. Contact us for more information and to get one scheduled at your school or neighborhood center.
|
|
|
Cyclovia Tucson: Lost Barrio—Himmel Park
Sunday, March 26th, 9 AM - 3 PM
Join us along three miles of car-free, care-free streets connecting the Lost Barrio warehouse district and Himmel Park through Miles, San Antonio, Rincon Heights, and Sam Hughes Neighborhoods.
Find out more and get involved at cycloviatucson.org
|
|
|
How is Tucson's transit system doing? Provide input via the Comprehensive Operational Analysis
|
|
The City of Tucson, in partnership with the Pima Association of Governments, is completing a Comprehensive Operational Analysis on Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle services (the major components of Tucson's transit system). This Analysis evaluates all aspects of our existing transit to develop opportunities and recommendations for improving it. Click below to learn more and take a brief survey. Your input will help guide the initial development of transit service recommendations which will be shared out later this spring.
|
|
Apply to "Walking College" with America Walks
|
|
America Walks recently announced that Walking College applications are officially open. The Walking College is an online educational program and is geared toward early-to-middle-stage advocates eager to organize in communities to expand access to walkable, vibrant, safe, and accessible places. Fellows hone in on a problem in their community they wish to address, develop the knowledge and skills they need to help bring about positive change, with feedback from mentors and peers create a plan for getting the work done, and in the process become some of America Walks’ most valuable grassroots partners.
Click below to learn more and apply.
|
|
Last Chance: Weigh in on Tucson's climate future
|
|
After much anticipation, Tucson's climate action and adaptation plan, Tucson Resilient Together, is ready for public review and comment on the Climate Action Hub website. The Draft plan will be available for comment until February 21, 2023. Once the comment period closes, the Plan will be updated and made available to Mayor and Council for final approval. We've been honored to be a part of the consultant team to lead community engagement efforts for Tucson Resilient Together and we encourage you to take look and share your thoughts via the online comment form.
|
|
Last chance: Check out the Tucson Norte-Sur findings
|
|
Early last year, the City of Tucson launched and Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (eTOD) planning effort for a 15-mile transit corridor extending between Tucson Mall and the Tucson Airport, referred to as Tucson Norte-Sur. LSA has also been a part of this consultant team to facilitate a portion of the community engagement activities, working in close collaboration with the Lead Community Ambassador, Selina Barajas and a group of Community Ambassadors.
The draft report from the first phase of the initiative is up on the Tucson Norte Sur project website and will be available for public review and comment (via this comment form) until February 15th, 2023. (The deadline was recently extended.) Comments will be posted along with responses to the website, and a final report will be available following the review period.
|
|
|
|
Wins and Wrecks for Vision Zero
|
|
The Vision Zero Network rounded up a list of "wins and wrecks" for the U.S. Vision Zero movement. The bright spots include barring traffic stops for minor infractions, getting rid of parking minimums, blanket speed limit reductions, and more. Wrecks showcase "safety" campaigns with victim-blaming messaging and missed opportunities to make electric cars safer, among others. We love these informative summaries that are also easy on the eyes.
Read the full article >>
|
|
|
How Street Design Shapes the Epidemic of Preventable Pedestrian Fatalities
|
|
"Roadway design has a strong impact on how people drive and is often more influential on driver behavior than the posted speed limit. While speed limit signs may only be posted every few blocks or miles, the road’s design is ever-present, continually providing guidance and visual cues. "
Take a look at some real-world examples that illustrate how streets can be dangerous by design leading to the deaths of people traveling on them.
Have a look >>
|
|
|
We Were Wrong About Sharrows
|
|
The former executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition (and now Director of Infrastructure at PeopleForBikes) was a key player in the proliferation of shared lane markings (aka "sharrows"). Twenty years later, he’s disillusioned with them.
We at LSA have long argued that paint on pavement alone is not a way to ensure the safety of people on bikes. Read more and find out why.
Read the full article >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
The mission of Living Streets Alliance is to advocate for a thriving Tucson by creating great streets for all of us.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
