The BostonZest team are walkers. We don't own a car. We use mass transit, if we must, but most of the time we get where we need to be as pedestrians. Naturally, we really notice the failures to ensure pedestrian safety on the part of our city and state authorities. We try to be advocates for pedestrians and now we have a few tips for you on how you can join us.
Report Transportation Dangers
The City of Boston has set up a mapping system where you can report safety issues in the transportation system. We have already used this to mark intersections where traffic gridlocks, where walk lights don't last long enough, and where walk lights are missing.
You can also consult this map to find places where you might want to exercise a bit more caution as you travel. (You might also take a look at this map that shows where accidents have already been reported by police.) Both are part of the city's Vision Zero program.
If your concern needs a more immediate correction, use the 311 system by calling 311 on your phone, reporting the problem on the 311 phone app, sending a tweet to @BOS311, or reporting through the website.
WalkBoston Pedestrian Advocacy Training Programs
To learn more about how you can become a better defender of pedestrians, consider attending one of the Ped101 training sessions.
WalkBoston says:
"This session is helpful if you're interested in learning about:
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walkability, urbanism & the associated lingo (what's a "tight turning radius"?),
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making neighborhoods safer for people walking & running,
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how you can advocate for change in your own community."
Take advantage of this opportunity to stand up for those who walk around the city.
Additional Reading: Make Walking THE Priority where you will find a link to a thoughtful piece on the mistaken priority system used by our transportation planners and a much better priority approach.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Artwork: courtesy of the City of Boston and WalkBoston