What Moves Everett Schools
Everett, MA · Commissioned by Everett Planning Department
To understand the Everett Public School community's commutes to and from school — and how the city could improve them — Green Streets was hired in Spring 2023 by the Everett Planning Department to conduct this groundbreaking study examining the commuting habits of the Everett School District.
The project had three components: a K–12 student survey about travel modes, desired modes, and barriers; 19 in-depth video conversations with students, faculty, staff, and parents; and a final report combining quantitative and qualitative findings.
The Everett School District is located just north of Boston with 2022–2023 enrollment of approximately 7,300 students from PK–12th grade. Most common languages spoken: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese.
In their own words
“I like seeing the world on a bike.”
“Walking lets me get my cardio in.”
“Be aware of what bus stop you're getting off at.”
“If you don't like your current mode, try something else!”
“Riding the bus makes me a lot happier.”
“I want to try skateboarding.”
“I like to talk with the big kids and look out the window.”
“My son is 10 years old and I bring him to school.”
“Kids value being outside and independent.”
“Cycling provides a great way to start the day.”
“Riding the bus gives me time to read.”
“I'd like to try bicycling because it looks fun.”
“Maybe next year I will switch to cycling.”
“Some of my favorite moments are riding the train with friends.”
“Students should be able to ride the bus for free.”
Key findings
- Everett is a city of walkers — 51% walk to school, 55% walk from school.
- Students want to bike and use skateboards, rollerblades, or scooters, but face safety concerns, poor infrastructure, lack of equipment, and insufficient funds.
- Dangerous streets identified: Santilli Circle, Broadway, and Ferry Street — car traffic, potholes, poor sidewalk design, not enough bike lanes.
- MBTA buses are essential but don't come often enough or go where students need them.
- Parents' worries about young kids traveling alone often lead to driving them to school.
- Students want access to modes like biking and rolling but barriers like safety and parental permission hold them back.
Documents
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