About Seattle neighborhood greenways
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways: Making Streets Safe and Livable for Everyone
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is a community-driven organization that aims to make streets safer and more livable for everyone. The organization believes that streets are not just for cars, but also for people who walk, bike, or use other modes of transportation. By creating safe and accessible streets, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways hopes to promote active transportation, reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life in Seattle.
The organization was founded in 2011 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to address the issue of traffic safety in their neighborhoods. They realized that many streets in Seattle were designed primarily for cars and did not provide safe or comfortable options for pedestrians or cyclists. They also recognized that there was a lack of community engagement around these issues.
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways seeks to change this by engaging with residents and local businesses to create safer streets through grassroots advocacy efforts. The organization works closely with city officials to implement changes such as speed limit reductions, crosswalk improvements, bike lanes, traffic calming measures like speed humps or roundabouts.
One of the key initiatives undertaken by Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is the creation of neighborhood greenways - low-traffic residential streets where people can walk or bike safely without worrying about cars speeding past them. These greenways are designed with features such as speed humps or chicanes (curved barriers) that slow down vehicle traffic while allowing bikes and pedestrians to move freely.
Another important aspect of Seattle Neighborhood Greenway's work is education - educating both drivers and non-drivers on how they can share the road safely. The organization offers workshops on topics such as bicycle safety tips; how to navigate roundabouts; how drivers should interact with cyclists on the road; etc.
Seattle Neighborhood Greenway's work has been recognized nationally as an innovative approach towards creating safer communities through sustainable transportation solutions. In 2015 alone, the organization was awarded a grant from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) to develop a toolkit for other cities looking to create their own neighborhood greenways.
Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who are passionate about making Seattle's streets safer and more livable. The organization relies on donations from individuals and businesses to fund its work, as well as grants from government agencies and foundations.
In conclusion, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways is an inspiring example of how community-driven initiatives can make a real difference in creating safer, more sustainable communities. By working together with residents, local businesses, and city officials, the organization has been able to create tangible improvements in street safety while promoting active transportation options. If you're interested in getting involved or learning more about their work, visit their website or attend one of their events - you might just be inspired to take ownership of your own streets!