This letter of support was prepared by Oaks and Spokes’ Executive Director Jared Harber and edited by our Advocacy Committee which consists of Board members Joan Lyons, Phil Veasley, Kuanyu Chen, and Anna Stokes.
“On behalf of Oaks and Spokes, we express our wholehearted support for the New Bern Avenue Station Area Corridor Plan and text changes to Raleigh’s Transit Overlay District (TOD).
As an organization dedicated to advocating for safe people-powered mobility options, we enthusiastically endorse the comprehensive plan and transformative recommendations outlined within the report and TC-2-23 TOD Revisions. Both documents prioritize multi-use paths, enhance safety for all road users (with a particular focus on pedestrians), promote equity in transportation, and fosters vibrant people-centric communities.
The “TC-2-23 TOD Revisions” recommends and supports a strong public transit system that is vitally important for Raleigh’s evolution to creating walkable, bikeable and equitable transportation. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors must support dense development accompanied by multi-use paths and transportation options that TODs are intended to foster. We believe that these revisions respond well to the community engagement the City has conducted without diminishing the integrity or intent of the TOD.
The “New Bern Station Area Planning Study: Corridor Plan” recommendations align perfectly with our mission and goals. We’re incredibly encouraged by the inclusion of bike lane networks in station areas, rezoning for mixed-use centers which will reduce car dependency, and improved pedestrian facilities. Oaks and Spokes is equipped to address pressing issues such as traffic congestion goals as outlined in the report. We can also promote healthier lifestyles and maintain a greener environment. As an organization, we recognize that as the city grows, it is essential to take a comprehensive approach beyond short-term appeasements like increasing parking availability and raising speed limits. Instead, Raleigh City Council and the Planning Commission must focus on creating a transportation system that prioritizes the safety and needs of all road users, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable road users and we believe the New Bern Station Area Planning Study: Corridor Plan does this.
These elements in both the Corridor Plan and TOD Revisions are critical to creating a transportation system that puts pedestrians and cyclists first and ensures their safety and convenience. We firmly believe that prioritizing this infrastructure, and the land use choices that will support it, can help to create a sustainable, equitable, accessible, and vibrant city.
We urge the City of Raleigh to seize this opportunity to invest in comprehensive transportation infrastructure and land uses that will support safe biking and walking options, and enhance multi-modal connectivity in proximity of the new BRT stations along the New Bern Avenue Corridor and through TOD Revisions. By providing convenient and secure mobility options for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit users alike , we can encourage residents to choose alternative transportation modes and reduce car reliance. This approach will alleviate traffic congestion and create a healthier, more sustainable, inclusive community.
We commend the City of Raleigh’s commitment to prioritizing multi-use paths, safety enhancements, transit investments, and creating thriving communities. We firmly believe that implementing these recommendations while emphasizing the concept of “putting pedestrians first” will significantly enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Thank you for being so dedicated to these crucial transportation initiatives. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in creating a city that exemplifies active transportation and equitable mobility. Should Oaks and Spokes be of further support or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Jared Harber
Executive Director – jared@oaksandspokes.com
Kuanyu Chen
Chair of the Board – kuanyu@oaksandspokes.com
To learn more about this project, visit https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/raleigh/Board.nsf/files/CFLKUP5315FA/$file/20220621PLANDEVNewBernCP722StaffPresentation.pdf
We invite you to copy the paragraph below and send your own letter of support to Raleigh’s city council as well as key members of our city’s planning and transportation departments:
“As an active transportation advocate and member of Oaks and Spokes, I wholeheartedly support the New Bern Avenue Station Area Corridor Plan. The plan emphasizes multi-use paths, safety for all road users, equity in transportation, and vibrant communities. These proposed revisions for a strong public transit system and the New Bern Station Area Planning Study are crucial for promoting a sustainable and people-centric city. I strongly urge the City of Raleigh to seize invest in comprehensive transportation infrastructure and land uses that prioritize safe biking and walking options, while enhancing multi-modal connectivity near the new BRT stations along the New Bern Avenue Corridor and through TOD Revisions. Reducing car reliance and promoting alternative modes of transportation are absolutely paramount to the future of Raleigh. I commend the city’s commitment to these initiatives and offer my ongoing support if needed.
Sincerely, [Your Name]”
City Council:
stormie.forte@raleighnc.gov – At Large
jonathan.melton@raleighnc.gov – At Large
mary.black@raleighnc.gov – District A
Megan.Patton@raleighnc.gov – District B
corey.branch@raleighnc.gov – District C
Jane.Harrison@raleighnc.gov – District D
christina.jones@raleighnc.gov – District E
City Staff:
ira.mabel@raleighnc.gov – Senior Planner, Technology Analyst, and Project Lead
lee.mai@raleighnc.gov – Engineering Services
Keegan.McDonald@raleighnc.gov – Raleigh Planning Commission