A rolling turtle will be the face of a new network of local streets coming soon to the South Bay.
The turtle will be featured on road signage for the new 243-mile route of streets called The Local Travel Network (LTN) to communicate “slow is the way to go.”
The LTN will support the growing local use of personal “micromobility.” The term is a mode of travel defined by use of zero-emission, slow speed vehicles. Such devices include neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs)—which appear similar to golf carts—e-bikes, non-motorized pedal bikes, e-scooters, e-bikes and other “novelty” zero-emission, slow speed mobility devices such as one wheels (electric skateboards). Watch this video to see examples: https://bit.ly/3x9bJSK.
This past summer, under the direction of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), the transportation firm Fehr & Peers began technical planning work to develop signage, branding and engineering details to define the LTN. The firm engaged representatives from 16 South Bay cities and agencies in a several-month brainstorming process to create branding and signage to publicly represent the network. The “rolling turtle” emerged as the favorite among two other traditional road signage designs presented. Surveyed stakeholders, including individuals representing Metro, the California Transportation Commission, and members of local groups, such as members of the League of Women Voters, favored the more whimsical turtle option. Their feedback included that it was “different and would stand out,” evoked the “nature of the LTN concept,” and would provide “incredible branding opportunities.”
The SBCCOG board of directors approved the design as a distinctive icon to be used on wayfinding signs. Its imagery will also educate the public to use the network with safety in mind. •
Residents of the South Bay can look up their own neighborhood to see if the destinations they frequently visit will be included in the network. Visit https://southbaycities.org/programs/a-local-travel-network-for-the-southbay.