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Our Story

Mission

The Green Streets Initiative is a Cambridge, MA-based organization, founded in 2006. We are dedicated to celebrating and promoting the use of sustainable and active transportation.

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Our mission is to cultivate the car-light movement and inspire community members of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds to rethink their commutes. Our levers include our What Moves Us projects, Walk/Ride Days, and the Commuter Challenge.

 

Green Streets is proud to say the ball has started to move. Commuters who have participated in What Moves Us embrace sustainable transportation by showing others the benefits of car-light transportation. Likewise, people who participated in Walk/Ride Days have consistently shown shifts to more sustainable and healthier transportation. We see the numbers of cyclists continue to rise and their advocacy for better bike infrastructure gain strength, which, in turn, invites more biking. As the pandemic has forced us to re-examine the way we get around, it is a perfect time for people to explore the many environmentally-friendly options available to them. The momentum is here, the need is still great and we at Green Streets are excited about helping Boston and other cities become even healthier, greener, and more livable.

Philosophy

Research-backed process

With the help of social scientists and the latest research, we have honed our approach to empowering individuals. 

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Change is

fun

We believe in the power of the nudge, and our programs reflect just that--a powerful educational mechanism for positive change.

It starts with just one commute

We are here to help you explore and celebrate the many transportation options available to you. From the T, to biking, to walking, to rideshare, and everything in between, getting around can be fun!

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Empowered to

inspire

Commuters empower others through conversation and transportation advocacy. This heightened awareness inspires everyone from car drivers to hardcore cyclists to think about the impact of their commute.

Reaching everyone

Our projects inspire exploration, understanding, and change among all kinds of commuters and community members.

Cyclists

Walk/Ride Days have helped me see myself as part of a bike commuting community rather than an individual making the decision to bike to work. 

I've been biking to work since 2010 but this program has helped incentivize my behavior even more.

Walkers

I'd be walking to work whether or not there were Walk/Ride Days. It is kind of a nice affirmation of what I'm already doing. 

I've been running to work for over 10 years, so I feel that the Walk/Ride Days are well overdue as a way to recognize the efforts of those of us who have been making healthy commutes.

Drivers

I check-in because it's a wonderful way to examine your own commuting habits and get a sense of how your peers and those you work with get around everyday.

 

Transit Users

I'm from rural Wisconsin where you need a car to get everywhere, and I purposely focused my job search on large cities with public transportation because I don't want a car. Walk/Ride Days always made me feel good about that decision.

I take the time that I spend walking to unwind from the day and it automatically fits in three miles of exercise to my day, which is great when I generally sit for a large portion for the rest of it!

Walk/Ride Days help me clear my head and provide me with personal time to reflect.

Wellbeing Advocates

Environmentalists

Walk/Ride Day inspires and reminds me to be green not only through walking places but also by recycling and being conscious about electricity and water use.

Walk/Ride Days helped me reach out to other people at work and encourage them to commute more sustainably.

 

Transportation Curious

It has given me an opportunity to talk with colleagues about transportation, environment, and lifestyle issues. 

Walk/Ride Days have made me question my decision to work so far away from home, as driving/sitting in traffic is so stressful for me. 

Experimentalists

As a result of Walk/Ride Days, I now alternate walking and taking a bus instead of driving 5 days a week. I also try to walk more on weekends instead of driving.

Looking at the map of my commute, I realize that it's not that far, which is why I started running to and from work 1-2 times a week. 

Seniors and Youth

Now in my early 70s, my bike is how I get to appointments, to classes, and errands.

People aren't going to do it if it's not fun!

Our History

2021-2022: Development and launch of What Moves Us program

2021: Green Streets Initiative becomes a founding member of the Memorial Drive Alliance 

2013-2019: Annual Awards Celebrations hosted by Boston City Hall, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, MA State House, EnerNOC, Volpe Center, MA Department of Public Health

2017: Green Streets wins Greenovate Boston’s Sustainable Mobility Award

2013: MBTA features Walk/Ride Day Posters, sponsored by Lesley University, Mt. Ida College, and Millenium Pharmaceuticals.

2012: Walk/Ride Day Corporate Challenge launched

2011: Lieutenant Governor and MBTA General Manager Participate in Walk/Ride Day event and Green Streets called a "local treasure" by Health & Human Services Secretary Dr. JudyAnn Bigby in HHS article; Tufts Urban and Environmental Planning Study Documents Walk/Ride Day Impact

2010: Green Streets and Post Office Launch Best-Shoveled Block Contest and in Harvard Square Business Assn Hosts First “Go Green” Breakfast. Green Streets partners with City of Somerville, MA and is selected by MassDOT for Clean Air and Mobility Funding grant to spread Walk/Ride Days to 6 communities and create Corporate Challenge

2009: Director interviewed on “One Guest” (WGBH) and by Ciclismo TV:  The Car-Free Mom. Green Streets West Bridgford (U.K.) founded.

2007: Green Streets starts in Portland, Maine, inspires Bike Fridays in Boston, is featured in local press, receives Cambridge “GoGreen Business Award”.

2006: Walk/Ride Days Begin in Cambridge Schools. Green Streets Receives Cambridge’s Golden Shoe Award.

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