Since releasing our Safer Streets report late last year, a number of Philadelphia city officials have shown massive support for safer streets and a Vision Zero policy. Councilwoman Cindy Bass, for instance, introduced a Vision Zero resolution on Dec. 11, echoing our message of cutting traffic injuries in half by 2020.
It’s time to add another name to the list of supporters; this time, a potential city official. During her campaign kick-off yesterday, Philly activist Helen Gym made it clear she supports safer streets infrastructure—and even gave a shout out to cyclists, according to PlanPhilly:
One interesting thing to watch this spring will be whether any City Council candidates grab the baton and run with the Bicycle Coalition’s Vision Zero message. At Helen Gym’s At-Large Council campaign kick-off yesterday, the public education advocate promised to fight for “a walkable city that protects pedestrians and cyclists alike” and gave a shout-out to “the cyclists riding to work each morning and night, whether they are the most recent generation of immigrants to settle in South Philadelphia, or entrepreneurs creating a tech boom on North Third Street.”
Supporting safer streets is especially important now, as Philadelphia is lagging behind several peer cities on safe infrastructure, and is one of just three major cities without protected bike lanes. We hope more City Council candidates follow at-Large candidate Gym’s lead and make safer streets part of their platform.
As for Philly’s mayoral candidates, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is currently meeting with them to discuss the Better Mobility 2015 platform. This will culminate in the Better Mobility 2015 mayoral forum on March 19 at the Friends Center, which, if you’re interested in mass transit and safer streets, you’re going to want to check out. Be sure to RSVP here.
Philadelphia Streets need to be safe for motorists, pedestrians and bikers. Many people acquired their driver’s licenses before there were numerous bike operators. Others don’t know what the laws and protocol are. Then there are those who approach everthing like, “It’s all about me and The Heck with everone else.”
Street lights need to be adjusted based on times and traffic patterns for both motorized and pedestrian traffic.