Monthly Archives: October 2013

OPENING STREETS, CHANGING POLICIES: Creating Space for Neighborhood Revival and Transportation Reform

Movement building requires organizing activities and programs that have inherent value and meet people’s immediate needs while also raising their awareness of the importance of larger reforms and putting pressure on relevant officials and power brokers to implement those changes.   It’s a tricky combination to achieve.  Providing free breakfast to low-income kids, for example, makes […] Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary & Analysis, Public Health, STREET LIFE & LAND USE, Walking | Comments Off on OPENING STREETS, CHANGING POLICIES: Creating Space for Neighborhood Revival and Transportation Reform

OPENING STREETS, CHANGING POLICIES: Creating Space for Neighborhood Revival and Transportation Reform

TweetMovement building requires organizing activities and programs that have inherent value and meet people’s immediate needs while also raising their awareness of the importance of larger reforms and putting pressure on relevant officials and power brokers to implement those changes.   … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary & Analysis | Comments Off on OPENING STREETS, CHANGING POLICIES: Creating Space for Neighborhood Revival and Transportation Reform

LEGACY TIME: Styles and Strategies for the Political Administration End Game

Tom Menino’s tenure is now measured in weeks.  Deval Patrick is entering the monthly count-down period.  But neither of them has left yet.  And until they do, advocates (and everyone else) seeking to advance their issues will have to deal with how these elected executives and their administrations function during their lame duck days — […] Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary & Analysis, CREATING SUSTAINABLE CHANGE, Government Reform | Comments Off on LEGACY TIME: Styles and Strategies for the Political Administration End Game

LEGACY TIME: Styles and Strategies for the Political Administration End Game

TweetTom Menino’s tenure is now measured in weeks.  Deval Patrick is entering the monthly count-down period.  But neither of them has left yet.  And until they do, advocates (and everyone else) seeking to advance their issues will have to deal … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary & Analysis | Comments Off on LEGACY TIME: Styles and Strategies for the Political Administration End Game

THE RIGHT TO BE ON THE ROAD: When Bicyclists Have To Pull Over, When Cars Can Pass

You might have the impression, as once did I, that the passage of a bill by the Legislature and it’s signing by the chief executive makes it a law.  But trial lawyers know better.  A law is just a bunch of words waiting for judicial interpretation. Case in point:  It’s true that bicycles aren’t cars, […] Continue reading

Posted in bike culture, Commentary & Analysis, Safety, TRANSPORTATION HEALTH and SAFETY | Comments Off on THE RIGHT TO BE ON THE ROAD: When Bicyclists Have To Pull Over, When Cars Can Pass

THE RIGHT TO BE ON THE ROAD: When Bicyclists Have To Pull Over, When Cars Can Pass

TweetYou might have the impression, as once did I, that the passage of a bill by the Legislature and it’s signing by the chief executive makes it a law.  But trial lawyers know better.  A law is just a bunch … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary & Analysis | 5 Comments

THE ART OF TRANSPORTATION (AND URBAN) PLANNING: Going Beyond the Technical Specs

It is through our built environment that we shape ourselves and the world.  Living, working, and moving around in dysfunctional, cramped, unsafe, polluted, or just ugly places not only affects our mood and health but also our relations with those around us and the natural environment.   The need to maximize the positive impact of our […] Continue reading

Posted in Commentary & Analysis, Government Reform, Project Management, Public Health, Road Design, ROAD DESIGN AND MODE CHANGE | Comments Off on THE ART OF TRANSPORTATION (AND URBAN) PLANNING: Going Beyond the Technical Specs