Here are some of the latest Walkability Wins happening, because safe streets aren’t up for debate!
Portland, Oregon
Portland is investing $20.5 million into key sidewalk networks/connections around schools. This is a result of Oregon Walks’ advocacy to Portland’s Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) through a campaign we called Sidewalks to Schools. Construction starts this year! We look forward to organizing community members in walking school buses to activate some of these new routes!
Shout out to Zachary and Oregon Walks for this amazing win!
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Sun Prairie has officially adopted a Vision Zero Action Plan, aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035. This effort began in 2021 with the formation of the Pedestrian Safety Task Force and now includes mapping of high-injury areas to help focus infrastructure and policy changes that promote safer streets for all.
Denver, Colorado
Denver has become the largest U.S. city to take full responsibility for sidewalk maintenance, shifting the burden from property owners to the city. Funded through a new fee, the initiative aims to repair and build over 1,000 miles of sidewalks within a decade.
Morris, Illinois
The Morris City Council has reduced the speed limit to 20-mph on Dupont Ave. and Locus Rd. near Morris Elementary School, Morris Hospital YMCA and West Side Park. Officials plan to install additional school zone signage and an electronic speed sign. The changes aim to enhance safety to pedestrians, especially schoolchildren.
California
Many jobs require a driver’s license, even when driving isn’t part of the role. This creates unfair barriers for nondrivers, especially those with disabilities. Recently, California adopted a law (SB 1100) that bans employers from requiring driver’s licenses for jobs that don’t involve driving. Following the example of Oregon in 2021. The bill aims to reduce employment discrimination and expand job access to those who don’t drive.
Have a win? Send it to us and you’ll be featured: social@americawalks.org!
To catch up on previous installments of Walkability Wins, visit our blog.
