"No traffic calming" the headline says. This is a message hitting right before a major decision on Edmonton's street speeds. Seems like the perfect fodder for those who want to drive quickly to and from everything, right? Not so fast. 1/ #yegCoreZone #WeAllMove #VisionZero 
Look at what else this international expert on streets is saying and realize we can't always trust a headline. Activate streets. Remove regatory barriers to folks closing down a block, or gardening, taking over boulevard space, adding parks and public spaces right on streets. 2/
Having only sat in a workshop and talk from David Engwicht on the weekend, I won't try to defend his points, as stated or interpreted. My take though is that he's right that changing speed signs and slapping down a few speed bumps won't change our city's culture of road use. 3/
He talks about how we have often psychologically retreated from our streets, and I cannot think of a bigger shift in Edmonton's thinking than declaring every residential street is 30 km/h. 🤯 What follows such a change is key, but we need that mindshift now. 4/
What I think needs to follow is more of what Engwicht talks about: parks and public spaces and "town squares" right in front of our homes. Treat our streets like our front rooms, open and inviting, active and even a little bit messy. 5/
And get the City to remove regulatory barriers and costs for Edmontonians ready to make these things happen. That could mean quick and easy (and cheap/free) ways to garden, take over boulevards, add flexible street design elements, rotate block parties, the sky is the limit. 6/
In one way, I'm glad to see such a provocative headline and talking points. Angry? 😠 Riled up?🤬 Want things to change? 🤔 There's an absolutely city-changing discussion February 26. Email your councillor and ask for slow streets and new ways to use and activate these places. 7/
And support those working to make streets community spaces. The #yegCoreZone folks, @pathsforppl, @EFCL. Email or tweet them to share your vision for safe streets Feb. 26. We're facing such an important vote, and councilors and Ciyy staff need to hear support for safe streets. 8/
I am invigorated after the weekend. 😃 And if folks opposed want to use some of these talking points to delay, they must support things like quick and easy street activations or paying $100 for every front-yard fence taken down. 😉 Let's change our streets now, and together! /end
