On March 6, 2025, neighbors flocked to an Open House hosted by OTIS and Councilmember Mark Squilla at the Old Pine Community Center at 4th & Lombard. A neighborhood group named the “Neighbors of South 3rd Street” did the primary organizing to encourage neighbors to attend and created signs and buttons to convey their message. The Friends of Pine & Spruce were proud to collaborate and help with the turnout. Residents critical of the City’s plans easily outnumbered bike activists at the Open House, creating a watershed event in the growing, resident-based advocacy movement. The topic of the Open House was a bike lane proposed for South 3rd Street, the authorization for which was enacted by the City in October without engaging the residents. FOPS supports the Neighbors of South 3rd Street in their advocacy. When we work together, all our voices are stronger. 

The purpose of community activism for the safety of bikers, pedestrians, drivers, and the disabled is to advocate for balanced, inclusive, and equitable transportation policies that ensure safe, accessible, and efficient streets for all users.
Community activism plays a vital role in holding policymakers accountable, influencing city planning decisions, and ensuring that streets remain safe and functional for everyone, especially vulnerable groups.