Green Streets Initiative

At A Glance

Location: 

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Primary Issue Area:

  • Environmental Health
  • Climate Change & Energy

Active since:

2006

Grants Received In:

  • 2008

Core volunteers:

4

Community Size:

636,479

Our Purpose

Our goals have been to help individuals, employers, and neighborhoods improve the health and vibrancy of their communities. We accomplish this by increasing the use of active transport, which are environmentally-friendly modes of transportation that include walking, biking, carpooling, and public transport. Our goals include:
  • Increasing active transport use through awareness campaigns which showcase the experiences and perspectives of individuals who participate in active transport, or who are considering doing so. We tell their stories to inspire others to try these modes for themselves.
  • Improving community health by illustrating not only how accessible and fun it is to engage in active transport, but the significant physical and mental health benefits and positive environmental impact these modes provide. Physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and enhances joint mobility, while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Our work also illustrates the direct impact that individuals’ transportation choices have on their community's air quality and overall environment.
  • Improving safety for all vulnerable road users (pedestrians, other cyclists, wheelchair and scooter users) in their community. The presence of more cyclists on the road creates a "safety in numbers" effect, making drivers and other road users more aware and cautious.

Summary of Projects

Green Streets Initiative received a grant in 2008 to increase Walk/Ride Day participation in Cambridge and Somerville, bring Boston on board in a formal way, and systematize our work so that we can respond to requests to help initiate Walk/Ride Days in other cities.