Can You Legally DIY a Crosswalk?

When residents paint a crosswalk without permission, cities have to decide whether it's a safety improvement or a liability. In her Vox article, “What If Making Your Neighborhood Safer Means Breaking the Rules?”, Sara Herschander looks at residents who have started making changes themselves. Carlee Alm-LaBar speaks with Strong Towns PDX tactical urbanism advocate Rob Galanakis and civil engineer Melany Alliston about why cities hesitate to approve these projects, even when residents see an urgent need. The concern over liability is understandable, but what responsibility does a city have when leaving a dangerous street unchanged also carries risks?

ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES

• Downzone:
  • Bike Play (Site)
  • The Hot Summer of 1968 by Viliam Klimáček (Book)
• Carlee Alm-LaBar (LinkedIn)
• Rob Galanakis (LinkedIn), Strong Towns PDX (Site)
• Melany Alliston (LinkedIn)
• Theme Music by Kemet the Phantom.

 

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