SOMERVILLE NAMED TOP 10 CITY FOR WALKING AND TRANSIT

The Walk Score® "Cities & Neighborhoods" page features scores for cities with populations above 250,000, but when all of the

2,978 cities ranked are considered, Somerville comes in as the 7^th

most walkable city in the nation just behind New York City (5^th) and

Cambridge, MA, (6^th) (instructions for viewing scores below). Meanwhile,

an analysis of the most recent Census data

reveals that 12.5 percent of Somerville residents walk to work, the 11^th

highest percentage in the U.S. For transit, Somerville is ranked 9^th

in the nation according to Walk Score®, and the latest Census data shows that

30.4 percent of residents take transit to work, the 7^th highest

percentage in the U.S. Fore more information on how Walk Score® works, visit https://www.redfin.com/how-walk-score-works/

The Walk Score® 2014 ranking marks the first time that the company used its new Street

Smart Walk Score® algorithm, calculating the Walk Score® of every city block

by analyzing walking routes, nearby amenities and pedestrian friendliness.

"It's

no surprise that Walk Score® rates Somerville so highly under its improved

methodology. As we've stated from day one-based on what the community has told

us they value-we're committed to making Somerville more walkable, bikeable and

transit-oriented," said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. "It's all about supporting

an active lifestyle, building community and creating a sense of place. When we

build crosswalks, inviting streetscapes, and bike routes, we're creating urban

rooms-active streetscapes supported by an active daytime population that

support a resilient, self-sufficient economic base for our city. A walkable

city means that residents can get their daily needs in their neighborhood

without ever getting in a car, that local businesses get the foot traffic

that's essential for them to thrive, and that outside businesses want to invest

here when they see a vibrant, active city with bustling streets."

During Mayor Curtatone's

administration, the City of Somerville has committed to creating the most

walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented city in the country. In the last three

years, the City has updated or added pedestrian safety infrastructure such as

street trees, curb bump-outs and ADA-accessible ramps, and begun work on the extension

of the Somerville Community Path from its current

end at Cedar Street to Lowell Street, with the City strongly advocating for the

Path's future extension to Boston. Under the new Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program the City will use a data-driven

methodology to improve street accessibility and safety for all users, balance

transportation choices and foster a sense of community through smart design.

Somerville is also on the verge of

a tremendous expansion of public transportation with the Assembly Square Orange Line stop scheduled to open in 2014 and the

second phase of the Green Line Extension now

funded, with the

first two stops in Union Square and Brickbottom scheduled to open in 2017. The

City continues to work collaboratively with residents, businesses and all

stakeholders in achieving the goals outlined in the 20-year comprehensive SomerVision plan in building communities around

these investments, through programs and initiatives such as the Somerville by

Design series that create a consensus around the community's vision.

The new Walk Score® rankings come

on the heels of The National Association of City Transportation Officials

(NATCO) adding the City of Somerville to its prestigious

affiliate member list, which includes just 18 member cities and 12

affiliate members nationwide. NACTO officials lauded Somerville for its commitment

"to sustainable transportation initiatives, aiming to strengthen cities and

improve quality of life through better street design and transportation

policy." Somerville was also recently recognized by the League of American

Cyclists with a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, recognizing a significant step

up from Bronze in only two years.