Our 2024 in Review
We’ll split this up into three different sections, Sweet Streets specific, then local and state policy/infrastructure.
Sweet Streets
The Good
New board members, bringing new ideas and energy to the organization
Regular open meetings to keep all of us connected
Continued success of our spring Bike/Walk and fall Open Streets events
Submission of several Capital Improvement Program projects
Hosted SLC’s first World Day of Remembrance event, planned to be held annually
Coordinating with other local like-minded organizations so we can support each other
The 200 South campaign comes to a close with improved bus and bike lanes
Neighborhood byways continue to be built out throughout the city
Launch of the community calendar
Needs Work
More ways for our volunteers to get involved, including lower commitment roles in our organization
Our campaigns have hit a plateau , time for a refresh or new directions?
Outreach at public events, such as the Downtown Farmer’s Market and neighborhood street fairs
Merchandise, while considering ways to minimize environmental impact
Work on state and regional policies, following the success of 20 is Plenty in SLC
Housing, zoning, land use and parking reform, which directly impacts our streets and the ability of residents to live multi-modal lifestyles.
On the Horizon
We’ll wait on this section for now - that’s to come in the next newsletter! If you have any thoughts or ideas, feel free to respond to contact us or come to our January open meeting at HandleBar.
Sweet Streeters on the Open Streets ride in September 2024, using the new 300 West and 9 Line bikeways.
Salt Lake City
The Good
Completion of 200 South, 1100 East, Highland Drive, much of 300 North, Virginia Street, West Temple
First full year with our new grade separated paths on 300 West and 900 South
Lowered speed limits on many arterial and collector streets
More protected intersections than ever (5, plus many partially protected intersections)
Leading pedestrian intervals rolling out at many intersections
Two major bike- and pedestrian-focused projects on the docket for 2025 (300 West and 400 South)
Continued Green Loop demonstrations and planning.
Lots of movement on traffic calming, with Livable Streets, Neighborhood Byways, and other projects
Bike “traffic” on the 9 Line, enough that the signals aren’t long enough at peak times!
Needs Work
The city’s choice to maintain multiple car lanes, with less green space and pedestrian facilities, in the final design of the 600/700 North project and 2100 South project.
A lapse in bike parking funding and failures to include bike parking on street projects with new or improved bike lanes; little consideration of scooter parking
Poor communication on Vision Zero and a lack of action on the Vision Zero Action Plan.
Lack of cohesion and consistency with bike infrastructure and design through Sugar House and other neighborhoods.
Making people who bike on the 9 Line stop at every intersection if they want a dedicated bike signal
Giving up at the intersection, especially at busier intersections where there is traffic demand but also poor safety (like 300 West at 1300 South, West temple at 400 South or 1100 East/Highland at 2100 South.)
Connecting our bike network to itself and revisiting outdated infrastructure, like the aging protected lanes on 200 West and 300 South
On the Horizon
We expect there to be a lot of transportation project requests for this year’s city budget. We’ll need to speak up to the mayor and Council to prioritize more funds for transportation. It’s also a city election year, and Sweet Streets will be looking to connect our supporters with the candidates for mayor and City Council and to confirm their positions on the issues that impact streets.
The city will be finishing up 2100 South and 300 North this year, and will start work on 1300 East, 600/700 North, and 100 South. These are some of the final projects paid for by the Funding our Future bond that voters passed in 2018 - what will happen as these funds are exhausted? Is a new Streets Bond necessary to adequately prepare for the Olympics? We’ll keep our ear to the ground and let you know what we find out!
Quick-build installations like this roundabout at 700 South 500 West remind us of the high impact of low-cost street reconfigurations.
Utah and UDOT
The Good
First state-led active transportation project in SLC, the 700 East multi-use path, is completed
Kensington Ave Byway bike/pedestrian crossing at Foothill Drive.
Improving the notorious Capitol Hill intersection at 300 North and State Street
Bill passed to include bicyclist safety in road design (shoutout to BikeUtah for pushing this!)
Bill passed to increase the penalty for speeding in an active school zone
Needs Work
State highways remain the deadliest roads in our cities, and a major impediment to non-car travel
Most dangerous year on record for Utah in terms of deaths and serious injuries on roads
The last three years have been the most dangerous for pedestrians
Addressing the concerns of residents where UDOT highways tear through the neighborhood
Moving the state from a car-centric mentality to one that prioritizes multi-modality and walkable urbanism
On the Horizon
The recent Capitol Hill Study indicated that people wanted less cut-through traffic, better walking, biking and transit connectivity and access, and appropriate street typologies applied. Will UDOT finally make their roads places where people can safely coexist with cars?
Our friends at Bike Utah have 2025 legislative priorities, including a bike lane obstruction bill, a resolution on connecting communities, and a bike rack matching grant pilot program. We’ll keep you posted on those, but you can also subscribe to their monthly newsletter at the bottom of their website!
UDOT completed the 700 East path this year, offering another option for people to get to and from Sugarhouse shops and Liberty Park.
