The mid-to-late 20th century saw a single product change American infrastructure like no other: the automobile. The rise of the car dominated American streets, creating a country dependent on automotive transportation to get to and from. However, one Duluth organization is trying to change that.
Vibrant Streets Duluth has four main focuses: walk, bike, transit and land use. Their goal is to create public infrastructure that allows people who may not use personal automobiles to safely thrive in this modern world. Forrest Vodden, the chair of the board, says that Vibrant Streets Duluth is the amalgamation of several previous groups.
"We've had different advocacy groups in the past that were very focused and specific, whether it was on biking or on walking or on mountain biking, in the case of COGGS," said Vodden. "We've got all these groups that are all advocating for their one specific thing. So, we're really trying to bring all of that together, kind of under one umbrella and really empower and connect those organizations."
For Vibrant Streets Duluth, the most important policy initiative they are working to achieve is a transportation advisory group with the city. This policy, which is supported by Mayor Reinert and council members, would give a voice to those who don't use vehicles.
"The engineers work on the nuts and bolts of a particular design... but then that project should go through a group of people that represents people that need to bike or walk places, people that might not ever have been able to drive because of disability or otherwise," said Vodden.
Vibrant Streets Duluth will be hosting an open house event tonight, Feb. 13, at 5:30pm at Dovetail Cafe. Author and activist Anna Zivarts will be the keynote speaker, talking about the future of transportation policy in Duluth. You can also visit their website, vibrantstreetsduluth.org to learn more.
You can hear Community Connection every Tuesday and Thursday at 8am on Northland Morning.
