Calles Compartidas is coming to a close. So, what’s next for South 8th Avenue?
8th Avenue resident, Francisco Robles shares a hand-painted sign created to help communicate about Calles Compartidas with neighbors
After six months of experiencing a slower pace on South 8th Avenue, Shared Streets (Calles Compartidas) will be coming to a close at the end of this month. With Calles Compartidas, the barriers and signage sparked curiosity among residents who were largely unaware that permanent improvements will be coming to this corridor through Proposition 407. The very tangible and temporary fixtures to slow traffic and welcome people to the street became an opportunity for residents to envision the potential of more permanent improvements. Leading with their own voices, residents have shared with us the value of safe, healthy streets in “Barrio Libre” (the name residents use to refer to South Tucson) in order to maintain a sense of connection to one another. Documentarian and community activist, Gene Martinez recorded a few of those stories, interviewing residents like Alicia and Francisco Robles who have diligently monitored the barricades, talked with neighbors, collected feedback, and even created their own artistic signage. Watch here to hear their story.
Chuco Ruiz who was raised in South Tucson beautifully explains that biking and walking helps people and neighbors to connect with one another and appreciate their own community, “There’s a lot of cultura in our community and it’s always been there. It’s not just about resiliency, it’s about the brilliance that exists in our neighborhood and our barrios and I want my kids to have that same sense of appreciation for their community.”
The end of the program does not mark the end of the conversation though. In fact, it is only the beginning as LSA will be leading focused outreach of the design and implementation of the permanent bike boulevard features on South 8th Avenue in the coming months. This next phase will be the chance to bring on-the-ground improvements in a way that respects the stories and lived experiences of the residents who call this place home.