By Emily Holben-Walker, University Hills RNO
Transportation access and safety is currently being examined along our stretch of East Yale Avenue and it’s important our city planners hear from you.
In Denver, we’re facing a real and growing problem: increased vehicle traffic combined with a serious lack of non-car transportation options. Our strained transportation networks are creating traffic bottlenecks, worsened air quality, increased human health risk, decreased quality of life, reduced economic productivity, a widening of the socioeconomic class gap, and ultimately, the loss of human life.
We live in a hardworking, friendly community. In my part of the city, our roads and infrastructure were built during the heyday of the automobile. Our roads are broad while our sidewalks are narrow and missing — not to mention other challenges like missing crosswalks, limited ADA infrastructure, a lack of medians and pedestrian safe havens, and more.
Lack of safe and dignified access to transportation options hurts the members of our community who can’t rely upon an automobile to get to work, get the kids to school, or get to the grocery store. A neighborhood built for cars presents yet another challenge for people of certain ages, limited ability, and cash-strapped families. Research indicates that access to multimodal transportation options is one of the most critical factors in determining upward economic mobility.
What’s more, communities where people walk and bike more are safer and more connected because neighbors know each other and see each other face-to-face. Businesses also benefit by what marketers call the “swerve effect.” Multimodal-focused design can also bring infrastructure improvements, including streetscape elements which help address climate challenges and flood risk. (And you know we have flood problems along East Yale Avenue.)
You can help the people of our community and help address negative trends we face in our city by letting city planners know your priorities for East Yale Avenue. Please take a few short moments to submit ideas and feedback that will help increase safety, address negative trends, improve quality of life, and save lives.
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