November 7, 2016
For Immediate Release
Contact: Randy LoBasso, randy@bicyclecoalition.org, 215-242-9253 Ext. 311
The Kenney Administration took an unprecedented step today and unveiled Philadelphia’s first-ever Vision Zero Executive Order, a legal document that will pave the way for Philadelphia’s new Office of Complete Streets and a Vision Zero Task Force—for which the Bicycle Coalition and Philadelphia Vision Zero Alliance have been advocating. Mayor Kenney tasked his new Vision Zero Task Force to develop an Action Plan in 120 days to eliminate traffic deaths by 2030.
The Philadelphia Vision Zero Alliance believes that with this new Executive Order, the city has a unique opportunity to make its streets safer for everyone, no matter which mode of transportation they choose.
Additionally, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and Vision Zero Alliance are proud of the commitment the Executive Order puts toward non-motorized transportation choices.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s Executive Director was chosen as a member of the city’s Vision Zero Task Force, which will provide the city with a long-term and short-term action plan, and which will submit findings to the Mayor, City Council Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director for Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Chief Clerk of Council.
Members of the Vision Zero Alliance have released the following statements with regard to the Executive Order:
Jason Duckworth, Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance: “We applaud the City’s efforts to advance Vision Zero. As our city grows in population and density, we need to ensure that our roads safely accommodate all modes of transportation. Doing so will not just save lives, but make Philly a more desirable place to live and work.”
Sarah Clark Stuart, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia: “This is an important day for Philadelphia. We are excited that the Vision Zero Task Force will bring together agencies, community leaders and advocates with a mandate to lay out proven strategies to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. This will ultimately make all of Philadelphia’s streets safe for everyone, no matter what their age, income, or neighborhood.”
Yocasta Lora, AARP: “AARP Pennsylvania is proud to collaborate with the City of Philadelphia and the AARP Livable Communities Network to continue efforts in making our communities more livable for all ages. With the implementation of Philadelphia’s first-ever Vision Zero Executive Order, Philadelphia’s new Office of Complete Streets and a Vision Zero Task Force highlights the importance of safety, the impact of our economy and making Philadelphia a more livable community for residents and visitors of all ages.”
Nick Rogers, Clean Air Council: “Vision Zero represents a goal of bringing the number of deaths from traffic crashes to 0, allowing all road users to move around our city safely. We commend the Kenney administration for their leadership in establishing a Vision Zero Task Force and Vision Zero goals, which we hope will lead to policies that prioritize all road users equally.”
David Curtis, 5th Square: “A serious commitment to Vision Zero in Philadelphia will save dozens of lives and many millions of dollars each year and will also improve equity and reduce the high levels of transport poverty in our city. 5th Square is encouraged by Mayor Kenney’s announcement, and we look forward to a safer, more equitable, more accessible city for all.”
Debbie Schaaf, Feet First Philly: “We’re excited about Vision Zero because it means the administration is committed to reducing crashes. A safer pedestrian environment will help create a more walkable city. Safety is fundamental to walkability. Feet First Philly strongly supports Vision Zero.”