Toole Design Group

As the 2024 #ITE Annual Conference in Philly comes to a close, I want to thank ITE—A Community of Transportation Professionals for creating the space to have remarkable conversations and meet equally passionate people. I am honored to be selected as one of this year’s ITE Young Leaders to Follow. It really means a lot that ITE recognizes the contributions that we, young professionals, make to this community! I also want to thank Toole Design Group’s continued support in my participation in ITE both as a board member of my local Section (ITE SF Bay Area Section) and my involvement in national initiatives such as the ITE Sandbox Competition (I was a judge this year! Thank you, James J. Carr II, PE, PTP, PTOE and Kathi Driggs, for the great work you do putting this together!). Lastly, I would like to share a little journal of takeaways, thoughts, and incredible advice I received over these past four days: Day 1 >> Conference travel is hard but worth it. I bonded with people from the west coast on our shared experiences of taking a redeye to Philly and participating in workshops and a reception all in the same day. I love meeting other passionate professionals who dive right in no matter how much sleep (and caffeine) we’re running on XD. >> Terminology is constantly evolving. A “stroad” is a cross between a “street” and a “road”; however, much like “futons”, which are neither a good bed nor a good couch, a “stroad” is neither a good street nor a good road. To make these safer either separate vulnerable users and reduce conflicts or integrate vulnerable users and reduce speeds! Day 2 >> If you want to make a difference, be an agitator. Speak up when you think something is wrong. We need to acknowledge the decades of wrongdoings (redlining, over policing) and continue to emphasize what we’re doing differently. Data, systems, standards, and engineering opinion only go so far. Consider what the community needs and make sure you get this firsthand. Have tough conversations and understand how history affects people’s trust in their leaders. Day 3 >> Look at more Latin American case studies 💖. Looking to Europe for innovation in active transportation is done often, but what we often overlook is the great work that Latin America is doing in this field. Latin America’s urban fabric was equally transformed by the invention and quick adoption of cars and deals with nearly identical issues to the United States (sprawl, high speeds, capacity, car dependence, connectivity). Day 4 >> Innovation never stops. So many moving pieces are in flux right now: automated vehicles, bike signals, policies, active transportation design, MUTCD, e-bikes, PROWAG, FHWA guides, oh my! Though it can get overwhelming, being part of the conversation ensures you’re providing your community with designs that push the envelope on safety, accessibility, equity, and, overall, public spaces that people can enjoy together. Thanks for reading! I hope we can connect in the future :)

A week ago today, the City of Half Moon Bay, CA City Council unanimously adopted the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. It's been such an honor for our Toole Design Group team, along with our great project partners at Opticos Design, Inc. to work with City staff and the community to craft a vision the future of Main Street, Kitty Fernandez Plaza, and important gateways to downtown. The design solutions are inspired by the City's rich history as a coastal community and center an all ages and all abilities approach. More information on the project, community-driven process, and master plan is available here: https://lnkd.in/gizmYMm4

I went on a delightful bike tour of Philadelphia’s bikeways yesterday led by Kelley Yemen and the City of Philadelphia complete streets team! The weather cooled off and we got to see so many types of bikeways. Some highlights: >>Obviously the biggest highlight is riding with my Toole Design Group colleagues Jennifer Toole, Carrie Long, AICP, and Clay Sublett, PE! >>Riding along a continuous, sidewalk level trail along the Delaware River >>The architecture and tree canopy! Riding in shade in the summer is essential! >>Planters in the bike buffer along Market Street Thank you ITE—A Community of Transportation Professionals for organizing at #ITE2024

Powerhouse panel here at #ITEPhilly2024! Great conversation about race and transportation, and why it’s important in our profession. Thank you Cipriana Patterson, P.E., PTOE, Veronica Perry McBeth, Veronica O. Davis, PE, Freddie C Fuller II, and Frank Franklin

One of the things I LOVE about working at Toole Design Group is the opportunity to work with people like Lucas County Engineer, Michael Pniewski, PE, PS and all the fine folks in his office! I appreciate how they have embraced the safe system approach to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in Lucas County, how Mike has encouraged other transportation professionals to do the same, and that he has taken the time to educate the larger community. Thank you County Engineer Pniewski for your leadership! https://lnkd.in/eTnwz4t5