Presentation Description
Streets are arguably our most important public spaces, and they should be safe from traffic and secure from crime while providing opportunities to access activities and get exercise. Everyone should be comfortable walking, bicycling, or doing other everyday activities on their neighborhood streets. Yet, in many communities throughout the U.S., including Milwaukee, only a portion of streets meet these basic needs. Our presentation will summarize results from a citywide Milwaukee Safe and Healthy Streets survey, completed by 801 respondents across all 15 alder districts. We will show geographic differences in perceived neighborhood street safety and security. We will use quotes to give voice to residents, underscoring positive themes, such as friendly neighbors and walkability, as well as negative themes, such as neighborhood disinvestment and reckless driving. We will conclude with ideas about how to expand safe and healthy streets citywide.
The survey was conducted as a part of a Medical College of Wisconsin, Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Changemakers Grant titled, “Safe & Healthy Streets: Enhancing Systems to Increase Walking & Biking Infrastructure in Milwaukee.”
Dr. Robert Schneider is an Associate Professor in the UW-Milwaukee Department of Urban Planning. He has 20 years of experience in the sustainable transportation field. Dr. Schneider has led more than 25 peer-reviewed journal papers, contributing to international research on pedestrian and bicycle safety, demand analysis, and travel behavior. He also teaches a graduate-level pedestrian and bicycle course in the Department of Urban Planning, allowing him to share his research and expertise with students who translate this teaching into practice.
Mr. Andrew Schmitz is a Master of Urban Planning student in the UW-Milwaukee Department of Urban Planning. He has been a research assistant for several grants, including the Milwaukee Safe and Healthy Streets project. He will be completing the Master of Urban Planning program and with a concentration in geographic information systems in December 2020.
