Here’s what I’d do. This is a 3 part strategy to implement 30kph zones in our residential neighbourhoods.
1. Immediate action taken to begin the process. First, expand existing 30kph school zones. Next, select 2 neighbourhoods or areas within a neighbourhood for immediate conversion to 30kph. This begins with a quick determination of the most promising areas based on simple criteria. As required use modest, tactical traffic calming elements including paint, planters and fixed pylons. Do not being with consultation. Work with neighbourhood residents as it’s being done and after, while it is studied and documented and comments both in favour and opposed are compiled. Purpose : short term gains and public notification that our new Council will be taking decisive action.
2. Concurrent with phase 1, an open invitation to any citizen to propose to the City why they feel their street, even just their block, needs safer, slower speeds. Critically important each submission receive full consideration and a direct response, ideally resulting in City transportation and planning staff meeting to walk these streets with residents. Purpose: to identify “from the grassroots” next neighbourhoods or pockets within neighbourhoods where conversion will save lives.
3. Medium term (but begun without delay). Create neighbourhood citizens’ assemblies modelled on Vancouver’s Grandview-Woodlands Citizens’ Assembly. https://www.grandview-woodland.ca/ For instance Harewood-South End, City Centre, Townsite-Brechin. Participants are selected by a set criteria to ensure the broadest possible neighbourhood representation. Owners, renters, business owners, landlords, professions etc, voices now underrepresented in public consultations sought by the City. Purpose: to task this body with how best to implement 30kph zones in their residential neighbourhoods.
