CLTS Orientation and First Install Opportunities!
Tl;dr: Next Monday, November 2nd, we're having an orientation for folks who want to volunteer to install CLTS (Community Led Traffic Safety) projects across Oakland. AND, we have our first install date: Sunday November 8th, installing safer crossings at Glenview Elementary.
From our last newsletter, we had a dozen folks step up to help install community-led traffic safety projects across Oakland, before even knowing when and where. You folks rock! (and you know who you are!) But we want to make sure that everyone who gets a notion to help knows what's possible, and maybe you just want to cheer us on... (Sign up to volunteer HERE)
Now, we have confirmed dates for our first install! We have partnered with neighbors and parents at Glenview Elementary to install curb extensions at two intersections adjacent to the school. Here's an aerial view of the plan:
Orientation: To make the two install dates go as smoothly as possible, we're doing an orientation next Monday evening, November 2nd, when your campaigning will be over and you need something constructive to do. We'll meet at Temescal Works at 6:30pm (490 43rd St, just off Telegraph) (Easily reached by ACT #6 or #57, MacArthur BART, bike parking inside). This is for folks who want to join the pool of volunteers, so you can learn about what the work is, the specifics of the install we will be doing, and generally getting organized, and understanding what folks are ready for and want to learn about.
Glenview Elementary: On the 8th, we plan to paint all the boundary lines for both intersections. There are six corners to address, and depending on how many folks pitch in, we will make teams and work together to do the work over the course of the morning. Two weeks later, on the 22nd, we plan to return with the flex posts, kindly donated by Pexco, the manufacturer. Here again, we will break into teams, drill into the asphalt, and bolt the posts in place to create high-visibility curb extensions that will slow traffic, contain vehicle movement, and shorten the distance families have to walk to cross the street. SAFER! After this is all done, the school will likely plan a way for the kids to paint murals inside our boundaries, to make the whole thing come alive. Sweet!
NOTE: if you want to attend the orientation, just come! If you want to volunteer at Glenview, please fill out the FORM, so we can coordinate!
Partners & Future Opportunities:
This whole effort is a collaboration with Walk Oakland Bike Oakland (WOBO), our partner street safety organization. They have really driven the initial phases of outreach, funding, and public education for this effort. Because of them, we have been able to develop contacts across the city, and they remain a vital partner in this work. Yay!
We are working with the Melrose Neighborhood Association and Horace Mann Elementary School to install a traffic circle and hardened daylighting at the corner of Vicksburg and Ygnacio. Final details are being worked out, and dates are not yet set, but this project should kick off soon. More details once we know them!
We are also working with applicants in other East Oakland, West Oakland, and North Oakland locations, about a dozen in all. And as we move forward, and people see that this is a real option, with real results, we're guessing that number only continues to grow. Stay tuned!
SIGN UP to join the volunteer list!
Yes, there is also a CLTS installation at East 16th St and Miller Avenue, a traffic circle installed quickly after Hector Jose Ortega was killed in a traffic violence incident. But we weren't able to organize that in an inclusive way, so let's count this next one as our first chance to include folks who want to help.
About Traffic Violence Rapid Response
We are a group of caring Oaklanders organizing together to put an end to traffic violence throughout Oakland.
We believe traffic violence is a systemic solvable problem. We believe we can build safe streets for everyone using internationally recognized street designs that prioritize the safety and comfort of all residents, especially our most vulnerable neighbors.
We respond to incidents of traffic violence by raising awareness about the incident, lifting the voices of the victims and the community, and demanding concrete action from those with the power to help.