The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and AARP Pennsylvania released a questionnaire to all mayoral candidates asking for their stances on a set of policy recommendations laid out in the 2023 Better Mobility Platform. We will be sharing responses to the questionnaire in separate blog posts per candidate.
1. Will you introduce legislation to create a new Department of Transportation that includes the Office of Transportation Infrastructure & Sustainability and the Office of Complete Streets?
I would be open to the creation of such an office.
2. Will you support hiring a commissioner who will allow for more transparency, efficiency, and accountability which will prioritize Vision Zero over congestion?
Yes.
3. Will you commit to hiring a third paving crew to reach a pace of paving 130 miles per year of local roads?
Yes.
4. Will you create a Sidewalk Safety Program, with dedicated staff, and create a $2 million grant program to help low-income property owners repair their sidewalks?
Yes.
5. Will you commit to the 2030 Vision Zero goal and work to strengthen the program by increasing its capital budget to $ 10 million/per year?
I am committed to the goals of the 2030 Vision Zero goal, but do not believe that it is honest for any candidate to promise to meet these benchmarks in just seven years. As Mayor, I would aggressively pursue opportunities to make Philadelphia a sustainable city. Additionally, I will work with all stakeholders to update the 2030 Vision Zero goal so that this initiative has the resources and proper framework to become a reality.
6. Will you support expanding automated speed enforcement to dangerous roads in addition to Roosevelt Blvd?
Yes.
7. Will you support completing a 175-mile network of protected bike lanes and trails by building an additional 40 miles of protected bike lanes?
Yes.
8. Will you commit to building 29 miles of Circuit trails by the end of your second term?
Yes. I think this is an ambitious, but achievable goal.
9.Will you support implementing signal prioritization, stop location improvements, and dedicated bus lanes on 10 corridors identified in the oTIS Transit Plan?
Yes.
10.Will you work with SEPTA, state, and regional stakeholders and support legislation that authorizes a regional or municipal tax to fund public transit directly?
As I achieved with the hospitality industry through my Philadelphia Hospitality Improvement Levy (“PHiL’) legislation, I am open to identifying a dedicated funding stream for public transit.
11. Will you support fully expanding Indego to 7000 docks and 3500 bikes to achieve bike share equity?
Yes. As Mayor, I believe that Philadelphia needs to greatly expand last mile mobility. From e-scooters to e-bikes to Indego, we need to enhance this network as a means to improve transportation and the quality of life for our residents but also a way to address climate change.
12. Will you support making it easier for citizens to transform and steward their streets by reducing the burdens associated with placemaking in the Right-Of-Way?
Yes.
13. Will you support the growth of a portfolio of over 50 parklets, pedestrian plazas, art enhanced intersections and reduce barriers for streeteries?
Yes.
14. Will you create a dedicated budget line for bike lanes and traffic calming maintenance within the PHL DOT budget?
Yes.
15. Will you create a dedicated budget line for trail maintenance in the Parks and Recreation budget?
Yes.