A new roundup of Walkability Wins. This week we’re showcasing the movement by highlighting more places across the country advancing pedestrian-friendly agendas.
Hoboken, New Jersey
Mayor Bhalla of Hoboken spearheaded transformative safety initiatives, leading to over six years without pedestrian fatalities. Through the Vision Zero campaign, Hoboken has improved and repaved crosswalks, lowered speed limits, added curb extensions and half of all Hoboken’s roads have bike lanes. These efforts, combined with community engagement and policy changes have significantly decreased traffic injuries by 41% and maintained a record of no traffic deaths since January 2017, highlighting Hoboken’s proactive approach to pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant, Philadelphia has received $16.4 million for the Complete & Safe Streets program. The grant will focus on Vision Zero and High Injury Network Corridors projects. The grant will aim at improving infrastructure, neighborhood safety and inclusivity in transportation, particularly in underserved communities. One of these projects will focus on North Philadelphia, a historically underserved area, by bringing bikeshare and infrastructure improvements along Old York Road.
Kerrville, Texas
The Kerrville Urban Trail System (KUTS) completed the first custom crosswalk of their Creative Crosswalk initiative. In partnership with the City of Kerrville and the Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB), intersection improvements at Clay/Water Streets near the Kerrville Parking Garage are nearing completion. The Creative Crosswalks initiative identifies intersections of potential high pedestrian activity, and works with the City to install three elements: custom crosswalks, a public art installation and overhead string lighting spanning the street. The combination helps reduce traffic speeds and alert drivers while beautifying the space.
The initiative is part of a larger KUTS effort to expand the spirit and use of the Kerrville River Trail into neighborhoods and business districts through public art, urban trail development, public safety improvements, beautification, and other infrastructure improvements.
Thanks to Kerrville Urban Trail System for the Win!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Together for Brothers and community partners won permanent fare free public transit for fixed bus routes in Albuquerque with a vote by city council. This win adds to a win earlier this year for permanent fare free public transit for bus rapid transit and paratransit. Albuquerque celebrates being one of the largest fare free public transit and being one of the first cities to make this permanent.
Thanks to Together for Brothers for this Win!
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is set to enhance pedestrian safety in its Castleberry Hill, Downtown, and Midtown areas by implementing a no turn on red policy. Approved by the City Council with a 10-3 vote, the measure bans right turns at red lights across approximately 250 intersections by December 31, 2025. This policy, part of Atlanta’s Vision Zero plan to reduce traffic fatalities, aims to protect the high pedestrian traffic in these communities.
To catch up on previous installments of Walkability Wins, visit our blog. Have a win? Send it to us: social@americawalks.org.
