Strategy 8 Develop a freight education program to educate the public and freight operators.
Education about the Truck Route Network is essential for making it useful. Having an informed driver population that understands which streets are more accommodating to larger freight vehicles will help deliveries run more smoothly, and keep drivers and others using our streets know where to expect potential truck traffic. Thinking about how to develop and communicate an education program that explains the goals, rationales, and expectations of freight delivery in the city is needed to better partner with freight operators and business owners.
On the public side, ensuring residents understand truck operating norms and limitations is helpful to promote safe behavior around large vehicles. Events like ‘behind the big wheel’ that has occurred at Open Streets helps bicyclists and pedestrians experience the vantage point from a large truck and where harder to see spots exist.
Actions to develop a freight education program to educate the public and freight operators.
Freight 8.1
Develop an urban delivery handbook to help businesses and operators better understand the rules and regulations regarding the delivery of goods within the city.
Supported goals:
Safety Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2030+
Status:
Not Started
Notes:
This action has not been started. This action will be reconsidered as part of the 2030 TAP Update.
Freight 8.2
Collaborate with partners to educate truck drivers on City regulations, the Truck Route Network and online resources.
Supported goals:
Safety Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Freight 3.1, Freight 3.2
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2024-2027 (Years 4-7)
Status:
In Progress
Notes:
When an updated Truck Route Network is approved, the City intends to publish the map on the City website with additional description about the network. This would serve as an educational resource for how to use the truck network and what it means.
Freight 8.3
Partner with others to host demonstrations at public events such as Open Streets to educate the public about safety around large vehicles.
Supported goals:
Safety Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Low
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works continues to promote public safety around large vehicles at events. In 2025, the Fire Department brought trucks to Open Streets events for people to explore. Additionally, Public Works partnered with Operation Lifesaver at the 2025 Transit to Work Day event to promote safety around rail tracks and trains.