Phil Mendelson: What kind of traffic safety benchmarks should DC have?

Photo by M.V. Jantzen, flickr

By Neha Bhatt

Judiciary Committee chair and veteran Councilmember Phil Mendelson has asked a critical question.  Should the District set more explicit benchmarks to track progress toward greater traffic safety?  

The Pedestrian Advisory Council says YES!  Help us figure out what they should be.

Speed kills. Traffic cameras save lives.

Photo by Lemworld, flickr

By Marlene Berlin

More and better traffic enforcement is key to reducing pedestrian crashes along our main streets.Last week, Mayor Gray announced that he is giving the green light to a new set of traffic cameras which MPD has been trying to buy for over a year.  This is great news for pedestrians.

Read the full post here...

"Walk & Talk" West Wing Initiative

"Walking is where I get my best ideas."  - President Bartlet

U.S. President Bartlet and his senior team launch new initiative to reduce heart disease, diabetes and stroke.  (Though, Segway riders may not love it...)

Walk & Talk - The West Wing Reunion from Martin Sheen

Let's Prioritize Sidewalks

DC Should Prioritize Sidewalk Maintenance as well as Roads 

Photo by parkview dc, flickr

By Marlene Berlin

The lack of priority for sidewalks is exemplified by the current and much publicized pothole attack with no corresponding sidewalk equivalent.  We all know that dangerous sidewalk conditions exist and people are getting injured as a result, which opens the city to the threat of lawsuits.   Until there is money in the budget for regular assessment of sidewalks, like roads, we will not have the kind of maintenance and network needed to meet these three objectives mentioned in this budget.

PAC Seeks Ward 1 Representative

Do you dream about a seamless sidewalk network, love the walkable lifestyle, yearn to make DC safer and more accessible for all users?  If yes, the Pedestrian Advisory Council may be for you. The Ward 1 seat is open and exceptional candidates are encouraged to apply.  Perspectives on pedestrian issues such as the following would be especially valuable to the PAC:

• distinct pedestrian user groups (e.g. people with disabilities, seniors, bus riders)
• caretakers of the pedestrian environment (e.g. property/business owners, business associations)
• people representing diverse economic, social, and cultural groups