Residents of Vancouver are rallying for a voice in local road changes, as the grassroots group Save Vancouver Streets gains momentum. At a recent city council meeting, community organizer and resident expressed frustration over a lack of public engagement regarding proposed modifications to Southeast 34th Street.

The speaker highlighted that the city’s survey only presented options for a one-lane road, excluding alternatives that would maintain two travel lanes in each direction. This prompted the formation of Save Vancouver Streets, a group aimed at advocating for residents' interests in transportation decisions. The organizer shared their experience of feeling unheard, noting that attempts to contact city officials yielded no responses.

Laurie, another member of the group, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the proposed road diets could exacerbate traffic issues rather than alleviate them. She pointed out that their initiative has gathered over 6,500 signatures to place a measure on the ballot, allowing residents to vote on how road changes are implemented.

The initiative aims to ensure that the city properly informs and engages residents before making any alterations to local roads. As the movement grows, the group is calling on the city council to reconsider its approach to public engagement, highlighting the need for transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes.