California is a state that has a lot of nice weather, which gives people here a chance to walk or bike to work, school and other destinations. United States Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has challenged mayors to help keep cities as safe as possible for pedestrians and bicyclists. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has accepted Secretary Foxx’s challenge in an effort to improve safety in our beautiful city.
The call-to-action for the challenge has three components. A local team is formed to advance the goals of accessibility and safety. A public statement must be issued to let the public know about the importance of keeping pedestrians and bicyclists safe. The cities must participate in the Mayors’ Challenge Activities.
There are several different challenges mayors can choose from. They can improve the laws and regulations regarding safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. They can ensure that all streets are safe and convenient for people who choose any mode of transportation through the Complete Streets approach. Another option is gather and track data about cyclists and pedestrians. Enforcing and educating people about proper road use is another option. Studying the streets in the city and ensuring that the way they are designed best suits their actual uses is another. Addressing barriers that have been identified on roadways is a final option.
Each of these challenges can serve to make the streets safer for everyone who is using them. By taking part in this challenge, Mayor Lee is showing San Francisco that he wants our pedestrians and bicyclists to remain safe. Hopefully, this can lessen the number of people who are injured in accidents caused by some of the issues brought up by the challenge.
Source: United States Department of Transportation, “Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets” Feb. 25, 2015
