In March 2019, Mayor Vi Lyles declared Charlotte a Vision Zero city, two years after we successfully advocated for the Vision Zero initiative to become an important objective in the 2017 Transportation Action Plan. Vision Zero is a goal to eliminate serious traffic injuries and deaths by 2030.
Sustain Charlotte has been a member of the Vision Zero Task Force since it was formed. Among other things, Charlotte’s declaration included commitments to build a transportation network that encourages safe walking, biking and driving behaviors, and to reduce speeding through engineering, education and enforcement strategies.
These are important commitments, but still, in 2022 alone, 61 people were killed in automobile-related crashes on Charlotte roads. The city has made some progress in implementing the Vision Zero action plan, but we must move faster and secure dedicated transportation funding to fully realize the strategies we pledged to embrace when the city adopted Vision Zero.
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A raised crosswalk is seen along Tryon Street in uptown Charlotte. (📷 Eric Zaverl/Sustain Charlotte)
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What could that look like? We’ve compiled this list of safer street design elements that would help reduce injuries and deaths on our streets.
We must increase the rate of investment in safer streets design and increase enforcement of traffic laws to stem the rising tide of serious traffic injuries and deaths. We’ll continue to work tirelessly for safer street design to encourage safer driver behavior, which, in turn, will entice more people to walk and ride bikes. Will you join us?
In pursuit of healthy, affordable and safe transportation options for all,
Eric Zaverl
Urban Design Specialist
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(📷: City of Charlotte)
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We advocated for a Meck budget with funding for equity investments and greenways
This week, we and others advocated for a Mecklenburg County budget that includes ample funding for equity investments and to buy land for more greenways, parks and nature preserves.
On Wednesday, Jan. 19, county commissioners held their first public hearing on the fiscal year 2024 budget. The county is also in the process of finalizing its next five-year Capital Improvement Plan, which will fund a range of projects that could include new community resource centers and an expanded greenway network, among other improvements.
"Everyone deserves a safe and healthy green space near their home," our director of engagement and impact, Meg Fencil, told commissioners.
Read Meg's full statement here.
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Did you catch us on TV?
Earlier this month, WCCB morning anchor Rachael Maurer stopped by our office to learn more about our mission. She interviewed our founder and executive director, Shannon Binns, and put a spotlight on our work surrounding equity and the environment, including our focus on advocating for better public transit, bike lanes and sidewalks in all areas of Charlotte.
"I think as cities grow, transit becomes more and more critical," Shannon said. "We have plans to expand our transit system. We just need more funding."
Watch the interview here.
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💡Renewing partner spotlight: Goodwill💡
Our sincerest thanks go out to Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, which recently renewed its Bronze corporate partnership with Sustain Charlotte!
Goodwill helps people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper. This nonprofit with a substantial Charlotte-area presence envisions a community with equitable access to career opportunities for everyone. Learn more at goodwillsp.org.
Businesses that join our partner network are committing to support our efforts towards a healthy, equitable, and vibrant Charlotte for generations to come.
To learn more about how your company can become a partner, visit sustaincharlotte.org/partnership!
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(📷: City of Charlotte)
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Some things on our radar...
• The Charlotte Urban Design Center has opened applications for the 2023 Placemaking Grant and Creative Pool. The program is meant to make underutilized public spaces more vibrant. Projects could include murals, painted crosswalks, green infrastructure, bike parking, bus stop improvements and more. Grants ranging from $1,000-$25,000 are available. Residents, organizations and businesses can apply. The deadline for applications is March 3. Learn more here.
• Catawba Riverkeeper is still accepting applications for the Carolina Eco-innovators Scholarship through Jan. 31. This "Shark Tank"-style scholarship competition is for high school students who have innovative ideas about how to tackle environmental challenges facing the greater Charlotte region. The top prize is a $4,000 scholarship. Learn more here.
• Charlotte's Bicycle Advisory Committee will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24. This meeting at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center on East Fourth Street are open to the public. Learn more here.
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