City Officials Traffic Tour

We are passionate about traffic and think we have some pretty innovative approaches for cities.

Introduction. When residents ask a city to 'solve the traffic problem in my street', they often fail to recognize that at the same time, they are the cause of traffic problems in other people's streets. Traffic is therefore an issue that can only be addressed effectively when the entire community takes responsibility for the traffic problems in the entire city. This site provides a vehicle for residents and the city to work in partnership on addressing traffic issues (and other social issues) holistically. We promote a range of programs which we call 'second-generation traffic calming'. We are committed to helping your city establish these programs, both through this web site and through the Creative Communities International organization. In many cases we can provide you with the resources to start a program and coaching services.

Stop 1. Issues - Traffic. Under issues, you will find a list of all the site resources dedicated to traffic. We have a large number of articles that explain second-generation traffic calming -- how it works, how to implement it, and answers to some frequently asked questions. This gives an excellent base for understanding the thinking behind the second-generation traffic calming programs such as the Neighborhood Pace Car, Street Reclaiming and Traffic Busters, our kids program.

Stop 2. Games. For residents, we call activities such as the Pace Car or Street Reclaiming a 'game' because they are simple, fun activities that residents can implement themselves. For games that address city issues, like traffic, we show how the city can set up a program that promotes that 'game'. Under each individual game, you will also find the support we offer you in setting up the program.

Stop 3. City Directory. Cities running any one of the second generation traffic calming programs can establish a page in the city directory. Here you can place details of what support you are offering your residents and neighborhoods to implement these programs along with details of how to access that support. If there are people already registered with us to play a second-generation traffic calming game in your city, we will email them on your behalf to let them know that you are offering support. You can link your city directory page to you official city web site. The City Directory is accessible from a particular game or through Search.

Stop 4. Play Pages. The Play Pages are where people record their experiences of playing the various games. You can do a search to see who is playing second-generation traffic calming games in your city, and what kinds of things they are doing.

Stop 5. The Games Incubator. Watch new games being hatched, some of which may be relevant to traffic. You can even lodge an idea for a new traffic-related game. You will find the Games Incubator in the Games section.

Stop 6. Citizenship. In order to set up a City Directory Page, participate in forums, or post articles, your city will need to become a Creative Communities Corporate Citizen. You may also like to personally take out citizenship so that you get access to your own personal page called 'My Place'. My Page enables you to keep track of the forums you are interested in, new games that you are watching emerge in the incubator, the favorite play pages of residents in your city, and any other places on the site that you like hanging out at. Personal citizenship is free but there is a charge for corporate citizenship.

Stop 7. About Us. This is a member-driven site dedicated to incubating and disseminating social innovations. While we, the founders, try to provide an ongoing creative spark, the real creative genius of the site is supplied by visitors and members. The considerable costs of running this site are paid for by cities and individuals who buy our products and use our services. Creative Communities International is a registered company in Australia.

Stop 8. Info Center. Finding your way around a new neighborhood can be a little daunting. At the Info Center you will find a map of the neighborhood, and useful tutorials on activities such as how to set up a City Directory Page, submit an article, or set up your own personal play page.

Stop 9. Employing Us. If you need assistance in setting up your second-generation traffic calming program we can help. We can provide you with art for materials or have the materials produced for you. We also offer a coaching service and training workshops.

We haven't shown you all the features, but this should be enough to get you started. We hope that Creative Communities and your city can establish a great working partnership in helping your city tackle its traffic issues.

Welcome.