Micromobility is in the midst of a major COVID-19 comeback — and it’s raising questions about how advocates might use this historic opportunity to make our whole mobility system better for non-drivers. Read more
You may recall that this weekly column began life as a chronicle of new projects being undertaken by mass transit agencies around the world. And even now, there’s no lack of such projects to report on. But as this column has evolved, it has increasingly turned its attention to other developments in the world of urban transportation. “Complete streets,” bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian facilities and even automotive technology are all playing a role in reshaping how we move around our cities, and the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the multi-modal nature of our transportation network and its challenges to the fore. Read more
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
1. Temporary Outdoor Expansions for Restaurant and Bars – Andrew Iltis, Sr. Mgr. Transportation & Mobility, Downtown Denver Partnership
CCD created a new Temporary Outdoor Expansion program for outdoor dining following requests from businesses and BIDs. Through an expedited application process, businesses are allowed to utilize outdoor spaces, including parts of the public-right-of-way, to allow for greater physical distancing and sit-down food and alcohol service, through Sept. 7th, 2020.
2. The Bike Streets Project (Update!) – Avi Stopper
Neighborhood map of 400 miles of neighborhood streets and trails and can be accessed at map.bikestreets.com. Along with printing more physical maps, there is a forthcoming launch of the Bike Streets Mobile Apps for Android and iOS.
3. RTD COVID-19 Impacts – Bill Sirois, RTD Senior Manager
RTD conducted a 3% cut in service due to driver shortage in January 2020; in April a 40% reduction in service was implemented due to low ridership with COVID. RTD did receive CARES Act funding ($232 million). Social distancing requirements are reducing vehicle capacities by 60%. Response of RTD finances and status of the virus will determine future service levels. Service levels from January 2020 are not expected to return until 5-6 years; layoffs and furloughs are expected in the coming months.
4. Shared & Open Streets Survey Results – Jill Locantore, Denver Streets Partnership Executive Director
Survey responses showed people walking and biking more often due to stay-at-home orders, mainly for exercising. Respondents also were in favor for implementing shared streets, and over 250 unique streets were suggested for closure. About 85% of survey respondents would like some form of shared and park streets to stay open post COVID.
5. Temporary Recreation Streets (T-RECS) – Jay Decker, DOTI Transportation & Innovation Manager
Established to provide additional space for people to recreate with social distancing. Methodology mapped park deserts and areas with overcrowding, population density, and equity. Phases 1-2 have been installed, and phases 3-4 will be installed in the next weeks. This effort has resulted in 5.4 mi of community streets and 10.7 mi of park streets. Results have seen a large increase of bicycle and pedestrian activity. The City plans to keep these shared streets for the next few months, with plans for implementing long-term shared streets and/or neighborhood bikeways.
6. Transportation Planning & Public Engagement in the time of COVID-19 – David Pulsipher – DOTI City Planner Supervisor
The need for engagement and the projects are still happening even through COVID. Meetings have been taken place via Zoom/Webex and Broadnet Townhall, which allows for land lines to participate to help address the digital divide. Virtual engagement has resulted in more participation, including from Spanish language participants, as well as removing physical barriers. There are equity concerns for people who do not have access to internet, as well as concerns around transparency and accountability.
7. Community Networks – David Pulsipher – DOTI City Planner Supervisor
Community networks are multimodal plans focused on small areas of the city. The City is looking at projects proposed in previous modal and using a one-build model that groups construction all proposed improvements along a corridor (i.e. DOTI and Denver Water projects). Bicycle projects are currently in the planning phase and will become under construction by the end of the year. Marketing efforts are expanding to social media outlets with the hope to not see political fallout during design and construction phases. Currently only 30% of Denver has access to a high-comfort bicycle facility; when the community networks are implemented, almost all Denverites will have access. Meeting information can be accessed here: https://ctnvirtualopenhouse.com/.
Next meeting:
Thursday, July 9th, 2020 — 6:30pm-8pm
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
CHICAGO — The Pat Tillman Foundation is awarding scholarships to 60 U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses.
In recognition of their service and leadership potential, the Tillman Scholars will receive scholarship funding to pursue higher education and continue their service in the fields of health care, business, law, public service, STEM education and overall education, and the humanities. Read more
Immigrant advocates are working with Colorado lawmakers to provide relief to vulnerable families during the coronavirus crisis.
Activists from the Colorado People’s Alliance are asking state leaders to provide cash assistance for undocumented workers who are not eligible for benefits. They also want immigrant detention facilities held accountable, and immigrant and other populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19 included in all worker protection provisions. Read more
Gov. Jared Polis issued a directive this week to his departments and state agencies barring them from sharing information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for civil enforcement. Read more
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