PHILADELPHIA — Joined by City officials and members of the Vision Zero Task Force, Mayor Jim Kenney today announced progress on the City’s Vision Zero Action Plan. In advance of Walk to School Day tomorrow on October 2, the Mayor also signed the Mayors’ Statement on Safe Walking and Bicycling for Youth to reaffirm the City’s commitment to a future with zero traffic deaths with a focus on youth.
“As we move in to Vision Zero’s third year, we remain committed to continuing to work on our goal of zero traffic deaths by 2030,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Instead of focusing on preventing all crashes, Vision Zero focuses on reducing the severity of crashes to save lives. If we design our streets for the safety of those most vulnerable travelers–people walking–we can improve safety for everyone living, working, and commuting on our streets.”
Released today, the City’s year two Vision Zero update shows progress toward meeting goal of zero traffic deaths on Philadelphia streets by 2030. Additional highlights from the update include:
- Signed the Roosevelt speed camera legislation into law and launched the “Slower = Safer” camera awareness campaign;
- Announced the inaugural Neighborhood Slow Zones at Willard Elementary School and the Fairhill neighborhood;
- Introduced a new public facing street and sidewalk closure permit map where residents can report unsafe road or sidewalk conditions to Philly311;
- Started construction on the Spruce and Pine Streets Resurfacing and Safety Project in addition to advancing planning for eight other Complete Streets projects;
- Secured nine infrastructure grant awards totaling $13,407,934 to support projects along High Injury Network corridors; and
- Worked with and supported the formation of Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia to advocate for life-saving changes to our roads.
To download the full two year Vision Zero update, visit www.VisionZeroPHL.com.
Mayor Kenney also joined mayors from across the country in signing the Mayors’ Statement on Safer Walking and Bicycling for Youth in advance of Walk to School Day on October 2. By signing the pledge, Mayor Kenney committed to continuing to promote safe walking and bicycling and to eliminate fatal and serious traffic crashes among all road users. The full text of the Mayors’ Statement reads:
The ability of people to safely walk and bicycle is a vital part of what makes communities thrive. We recognize that by creating opportunities for children and youth to safely walk and bicycle, we can benefit people of all ages, abilities and resources. My community is committed to work to promote safe walking and bicycling and to eliminate fatal and serious traffic crashes among all road users. Now is the time to act. We know the benefits this would bring to the health and well-being of our children, our communities, and the nation are immeasurable.
Bike to School is held in May and Walk to School Day is held in October each year. For more information about the events visit the Walk and Bike to School website.
About Vision Zero
On November 7, 2016, Mayor Jim Kenney signed an Executive Order to create the Vision Zero Task Force. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries, while increasing safety, health, and mobility for all. Philadelphia is committed to reducing traffic-related deaths to zero by 2030. To learn more, visit www.VisionZeroPHL.com.