Walkability Wins Part Thirty-Nine

Posted February 19, 2025 in Blog

In this installment of Walkability Wins, we are highlighting wins from Michigan to Arizona

South Pasadena, California

The Walking School Bus at Marengo Elementary is transforming school commutes into a safe, fun and community-focused experience. Each Friday, families and school staff show up to walk with students. This has not only strengthened neighborhood connections but it has also cut car traffic. Pop-up activities add excitement, making every step memorable. By turning walking into a weekly routine, this program is bringing health, safety, and sustainability benefits to students and their families!

Shout out to Michael for this amazing win! 

Montague, Massachusetts

The City of Montague has secured nearly $500,000 from MassDOT for traffic-calming measures and bike/pedestrian safety upgrades in Montague Center. The project aims to lower speeds, improve safety, and includes raised crosswalks, a traffic island, redefined lanes, and updated bus stops. This grant was obtained with public input, continuing the town’s progress from its 2018 Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. With final designs and community engagement ahead, the initiative builds on Montague’s infrastructure investments, now totaling over $1.2 million.

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham City Council’s 5-2 vote to waive parking minimums for new developments for one year. The measure started January 28th and aims to spur more housing construction, including middle-income workforce options, while encouraging walking, biking, and public transit. The move to waive the minimums will help reduce downtown congestion, mitigate environmental impacts of parking, and promote a more connected community. 

Nashville, Tennessee

The Secret Sidewalk aims to enhance a hidden walking path beneath I-40, connecting The Nations and Sylvan Park. Civic Design Center received Nashville Department of Transportation’s Tactical Urbanism funding for projection art, lighting, signage and wheelchair accessibility. Organizers hope to install improvements by spring, creating a safer, more invitin route for pedestrians. This ‘shortcut’ will reduce trips and invigorate both neighborhoods  

Portland, Oregon

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Innovative Mobility Program has awarded over $330,000 in microgrants to 26 car-reduction projects, prioritizing historically underserved communities. Initially launched in 2022 and funded by $10 million each from Oregon’s federal Infrastructure Act share and general fund, the program offers up to $15,000 for initiatives such as free bike repair clinics for homeless residents, e-cargo bike lending libraries, and youth biking programs. These grants bolster sustainable alternative travel options statewide. 

To catch up on previous installments of Walkability Wins, visit our blog. Have a win? Send it to us: social@americawalks.org.