July 6, 2026
A recent survey demonstrates positive reception of quick-build infrastructure projects through DVRPC’s Expo: Experimental Pop-ups program, with respondents citing public support for increased bicycle and pedestrian safety and positive impact on participating communities.
DVRPC recently surveyed partners that have participated in its Experimental Pop-ups (ExPo) program to implement quick-build and demonstration, or pop-up, projects to address transportation-related challenges. Expo works with counties, municipalities, community groups, and partnerships in the region to design, implement, and evaluate projects that apply various pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and roadway strategies that address safety and create a sense of place. The Expo Past Partners Survey provides unique insight into Expo projects’ ability to help communities explore lighter, cheaper, and faster solutions to their transportation problems, and overall points to a positive reception of these projects, public support for increased bicycle and pedestrian safety, and a positive impact on communities. The survey responses show that Expo helps municipalities think through the possibilities and processes for specific, attainable, near-term projects that promote livability and safer streets for all.
The Expo Past Partners Survey respondents represent seven municipalities: Collingswood, East Trenton, West Chester, Oxford Borough, Newtown Square, Hopewell, and Narberth. The survey asked the past partners to speak to project successes, lessons learned, maintenance needs, and material recommendations, and also provided space for stakeholder feedback and other comments.
Quick-build infrastructure projects can help communities in many different ways. When asked what went well in participants’ Expo projects, nine out of thirteen respondents indicated that it influenced their other work, with eight respondents saying the project helped them advance an existing study or effort, and seven noting that it enabled similar quick-build initiatives. Three respondents specified that the project introduced a new type of street element that they have now applied elsewhere, and four Expo participants said their projects have become permanent. Stakeholder feedback also reflected public support for slower speeds, bicycle and pedestrian safety, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
Together, the survey responses highlight the value of quick-build transportation infrastructure: these projects have immediate, tangible impacts within partner communities and have the potential to start conversations within and among municipalities about related projects and improvements. Expo projects provide a unique opportunity for communities to innovate together with DVRPC and to facilitate positive outcomes for communities on expedited timelines.
DVRPC’s Expo team is looking for projects where municipal staff and community advocates are motivated to advance tactical urbanism initiatives. Interested in an Expo project in your community? Contact Cassidy Boulan with the Expo team at cboulan@dvrpc.org.