Walkability Wins Part Forty-Three: Putting Walkability First

Kids walking to school in a sidewalk
Credit: Seattle Department of Transportation

Here are some of the latest Walkability Wins happening, because safe streets aren’t up for debate!

Washington

The governor of Washington state signed SB 5595 into law, legalizing people-centered shared streets that prioritize pedestrian movement, limit vehicle speeds to 10 miles per hour, and require vehicles to yield to bicyclists and pedestrians. The concept comes from European shared streets, or “woonerven.”

Thanks to Mark for this amazing win!

Keene, New Hampshire

The city of Keene is getting a new crosswalk on Tiffin Street near the Timken plant. About 250 employees cross the street daily to get to work. Additionally, Keene’s Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee has approved a draft ordinance to more broadly address inadequate crosswalk signage and poor visibility.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh released statistics that show total crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries have declined for the fourth year in a row! Officials say the decline means the city’s traffic-calming efforts — including quick builds to install speed humps and painting bigger crosswalks — are working to save lives and reduce injuries.

Louisville, Louisiana

City officials presented a new downtown street network plan for Louisville and the NuLu neighborhood that would improve safe walkability through redesigned streets and slower traffic speeds. If the plan is approved, the changes would occur over the next five years.

Connecticut

The Connecticut senate passed HB 5002, a landmark bill that fully repeals parking mandates for all residential uses! The bill is now making its way to the governor’s desk, which puts Connecticut on a promising path to become the very first state to completely eliminate residential parking mandates. This reform is set to help unlock the state’s full housing potential as soon as July 2026!


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.