Improving Pedestrian Safety
I am committed to making District 22 a safer place for pedestrians. Working with community stakeholders, residents, and government agencies, I will implement targeted strategies to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities while creating more walkable, vibrant communities. My plan includes the following key measures:
1. Enhanced Crosswalk Visibility: We will install high-visibility crosswalks with advanced safety features such as flashing beacons, raised crossings, and improved lighting to ensure pedestrians are seen, even in low-visibility conditions.
2. Sidewalk Expansion and Repairs: By investing in the construction of new sidewalks and the repair of existing ones, we will prioritize connectivity and accessibility, particularly near schools, bus stops, and commercial areas.
3. Traffic-Calming Measures: • Lower speed limits in residential neighborhoods to protect pedestrians and reduce crash severity. • Implement road diets by redesigning overly wide streets to decrease vehicle lanes and create safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. • Improve streetscapes on major roads to include better lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian buffers.
4. Automated Enforcement: Expanding speed cameras and other automated enforcement tools will help deter dangerous driving behaviors, especially in school zones and high-risk areas.
5. Increased Crossing Guard Presence: We will allocate resources to hire and train more crossing guards to enhance safety for children and families in school zones.
6. Public Safety Education Campaigns: Launching a robust countywide education initiative will encourage safe driving and walking practices, fostering a culture of mutual respect between pedestrians and drivers.