Using 311 for Safe Streets Advocacy
We’re keeping our streets clean, safe, and accessible for all with Cleveland’s 311 system.
On May 13, we hosted a live training on the City of Cleveland’s 311 system. If you missed it, you can watch the virtual recording on our Youtube. Read on for some lessons learned for our shared safe streets advocacy work!
What is 311?
311 is the city’s non-emergency call line and website. It provides residents easy access to city services and information. 311 serves as the city’s “front door” for all maintenance needs, sending calls and requests straight to the department that handles them.
Why is it an advocacy tool?
Part of our role as active citizens is to “knock” on that door and proactively report a safety concern when we see it. Using 311 is a great way to:
- look out for our fellow neighbors as they move about our streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes,
- create a public record of ongoing issues and draw attention (and money) to things that need fixing, and
- inform decision makers on where to invest resources long-term.
What issues can I report?
Most things from building and housing concerns to trash pickups and street safety issues. Damaged sidewalks? 311. Dead animal on the road? 311. Need a street sweeper? 311. When in doubt, 311 is your first call for city services!
If you’re walking, biking, rolling, or scooting, think about these key bike & pedestrian issues:
- Debris/Glass in Bike Lane
- Pothole in Bike Lane
- Pedestrian Signal Repair
- Damaged or Missing Traffic Sign
311 staff will also refer you to departments like Public Safety or Traffic Engineering for sidewalk right of way complaints, adding a speed table on your street, or bike lane restriping or delineator repairs. These items are not in the 311 portal… yet. Ask 311 to include these options going forward!
How do I submit a report?
There are two ways to request services with 311:
- Call 311, or dial 216-664-2000 (from anywhere)
- Go online to www.clevelandohio.gov/311
Is 311 effective?
Yes! And it’s a work in progress.
For many requests (like potholes), the response time can be quick. Other requests take longer based on the department handling it. Although a long wait time is frustrating, 311 is a sure way for city officials to hear your voice and notice the challenges you encounter getting around. Cities like Cleveland use 311 data to inform large infrastructure projects, so we as citizens can use 311 to shift the attention and dollars going towards everyday maintenance and safety issues.
How else can I get informed and involved?
- Visit the City’s 311 website to make a report, track a request, and explore 311 data.
- Missed our live 311 Advocacy training on May 13? Watch the recording here on our Youtube.
- Witness a close call on the road? Submit a report to Vision Zero’s Report Near-Miss Incidents form.
- Learn more about Neighborhood Traffic Calming in Cleveland and request a speed table on your street.
- Join a Better Streets Committee in your neighborhood.
- Still have questions? Email tommy@bikecleveland.org and we’ll do our best to help!