Tactical Urbanism in Tacoma
Testing the Tiny Transit Park

The downtown core neighborhood is a community made up of employees, students, visitors, residents, and our homeless population. Many people’s days start, end, or meet in downtown at some point. Tacoma is developing quickly and there are still some spaces … Continue reading
Silly Slowdowns

We added colorful shapes to crosswalks along MLK Jr Way in Hilltop as a way to slow traffic and bring attention to pedestrian safety. We are testing out this streetscape element as a part of the Hilltop Links to Opportunity project. Every signal … Continue reading
Building Better Bikeways

This fall, in collaboration with the City of Tacoma, we implemented two different pop-up bikeway improvements. In accordance with the Tacoma Mobility Master Plan and plans involved in the city’s Links to Opportunity Project, we drew out opportunities to enhance … Continue reading
Take a Seat [but, not actually, please]

We’ve added tables and chairs to our tactical materials. Seating in public space creates opportunity to connect as a community and encourages people to spend more time walking or biking. We are testing out this streetscape element as a part … Continue reading
Creative Crosswalks

At the Tacoma Farmers Market we imagined what it might feel like if crosswalks were colorfull. People slowed down, asked questions, kids and adults played on it like hopscotch, and it was all done using duct tape. If we can … Continue reading
Intersection Imagination

Right before Bike Month, we invited people to learn about riding safely in the street. We set up a mock intersection for people on bikes to ride through. Riding on a safe and protected street for bikes allowed for easy … Continue reading
Wayfinding Signage

Downtown On the Go popped-up some wayfinding signage to help remind people how easy it is to get around downtown Tacoma on foot. Walking is a great way to stay healthy, save money, and engage more with your city! Where … Continue reading
Activating Space

We set up an impromptu ping-pong table in the courtyard near the Chamber of Commerce Building. Hally and Georgette showed the courtyard and the ping-pong table some love during their work day and got to relax with some healthy competition! … Continue reading
What is Tactical Urbanism?
In March of 2017, author Mike Lydon joined Downtown On the Go for 2017’s book club pick, “Tactical Urbanism”. Tactical urbanism is a term used to describe low-cost, temporary changes intended to improve public places. Lydon’s book, co-written by Anthony Garcia, provides examples and … Continue reading