Is Boston Prepared to be a 15-Minute City?

This past winter, I spent some time re-learning GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping at Boston University – partly in preparation for my upcoming studies in Rotterdam at IHS (Institute for Housing and Urban Development at Erasmus University) and also because I simply love maps - both the art and science of making maps.  As a planner, I have had many interactions with GIS - both frustrating and exhilarating at the same time! -  and I thought now was the time to nail down the basics.  A requirement of the course was a final project, ideally a ‘problem’ or ‘question’ faced by the city of Boston.  I knew immediately that the subject of my project would be the car-free city and in particular, the “15-Minute City”.

The 15-Minute City is one of the latest urban planning concepts to be adapted by cities around the world, notably Paris, Portland OR and Ottowa CA.  In its most basic form, city residents would have access to basic services (food, recreation, culture) as well as school and work, with a 15-minute bicycle ride, walk or transit ride from home – no cars involved.  A lofty goal, to be sure, that has its roots in Jane Jacob’s concept of the “better block”, as well as New Urbanism and Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

During the pandemic, the idea of reaching your destinations without a vehicles became second nature, especially for those of us privileged enough to work and study at home and confined to our homes by travel restrictions.  As we enter a post-COVID world, the 15-Minute City concept becomes even more compelling.  But what about those requiring public transportation, who don't have access to a car and don't work from home?  Is there infrastructure to support all levels of society, regardless of income and travel requirements?  Does Boston have the ability to move its residents safely to their destinations without a car?

In my project, I posed two questions:

• Are destinations and transportation infrastructure located near each other, even in lower income neighborhoods?
• Is new transportation being built near destinations?

 

The goal of my project was NOT to answer the question "IS Boston a 15-Minute City?", but rather, "Is Boston PREPARED to become a 15-Minute City?"

So take a look and let me know what you think.  And ask yourself, "How many destinations can I get to without a car?"  The answer may surprise you.

Here's a link to my presentation:

Is Boston Prepared to be a 15-Minute City